Safety Tidbit #2.17 – How long were they out?

Safety Tidbit #2.17 – How long were they out?

Sources:           OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

                        OSHA Recordkeeping Regulations (1904)

We all are aware of recent changes to OSHA’s recordkeeping standards. Such as, starting in 2015, you need to inform OSHA of any death within 8 hours (or within that work-shift), hospitalization of any employee, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours. However, I had a question the other day about keeping track of days away from work. This question was complicated since the end of the year is drawing near. So, I wish to take a step back. And give the scenario that a worker is hurt today and is now off work.

First, remember we record calendar days, not work days. So holidays, weekends, and workdays all count the same [1904.7(b)(3)(iv)]. Ultimately, however, you only have to keep track of 180 days. So if the injury has a long-term rehabilitation then the total time is capped at 180 days [1904.7(b)(3)(vii)]. If the worker retires or otherwise leaves the company during their rehabilitation time for a reason unrelated to the injury, then the count stops when they are no longer an employee. Although, if the employee leaves due to the injury, then you must estimate the total number of days away or restricted and enter that value on the 300 log [1904.7(b)(3)(viii)].

So, what happens when the injury occurs at the end of the year and they are still off work going into the following year? Well, you need to estimate the number of days they will be off or restricted and put that value on the 300 log [1904.7(b)(3)(ix)]. Then once they are back to work and you have a definitive count on the days you need to update the 300 log accordingly and ensure you make a note on the log to jog your memory. This helps if you are ever asked why the value was changed. Again, this only goes up to the cap of 180 days and you only record each injury or illness once and track the total days away and restricted time on the log for the year the injury occurred.

Hope this was helpful and thanks for reading my Safety Tidbits ~ Bryan