Example OSHA Log Compliance

One case that stands out in my memory was that of a worker who had gotten a metal sliver in his eye and went to the clinic for removal. The person responsible for making the recordability call immediately recorded this injury because of what he interpreted to be the currently in-place OSHA guidelines. The guidelines at this point in time about removing objects from the eye were straightforward. That is, when forceps, tweezers, or other mechanical devices were used to remove material from a worker s eye, the incident must be considered OSHA recordable however, when I closely examined the medical records, the report stated that the metal sliver was in the eyelid and not the eye. 

My decision to remove this incident from the OSHA record logs was also straightforward. After all, there was no prescription medicine, no restriction, no change in job or loss of work, and therefore this case was removed from the OSHA record log. 

Although OSHA recordability is an important point, we should not lose sight of the big picture. That is what caused this accident What are the reasons that this injury occurred We need to determine the reasons for injuries so that we can prevent the recurrence. I am going to repeat this statement because the point is paramount We need to determine the reasons for injuries so that we can prevent the recurrence. 

Let s keep this very important point in mind, but let s also remember a couple of other very important points. The OSHA log is typically used not just for recording and tabulating injuries, but will likely be closely scrutinized if your company performs any subcontracting work and is interested in bidding these jobs. Clients want to know how safe any contractor is not just for the humanitarian reason, but also for the economics. 

If your company has chosen to take the conservative stance on OSHA recordability of accidents, it will probably be perceived as less safe than a competitor that has a less conservative approach to OSHA recordability. The long and the short story is Your company may needlessly be losing awards because of a conservative stance on OSHA recordability. 

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