Nov 4, 2019
How to perfect your injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting program

{Sponsored} The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employers with over 11 employees keep records for on-the-job injuries and illnesses, it does not hurt to do the same for smaller greenhouses. Recordkeeping can save you from the stress and financial pressure of worker’s compensation lawsuits; it can ensure you know exactly when your injured employee is able to come back to work; and it gives employers peace of mind.

The injury and illness record requirements OSHA created are for the protection of all parties involved, but especially for maintaining safety in the workplace. According to osha.gov, “Adoption of an injury and illness prevention program will result in workers suffering fewer injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

What goes into the reporting and recordkeeping?

Injuries or illness that occur on-the-job must be recorded within 24 hours. Always suggest that the employee seeks medical attention, and, outside of small cuts or scrapes, be sure to fill out proper paperwork if the employee refuses medical care.

Required paperwork includes OSHA 300, 300A & 301 forms. These documents can be downloaded and printed from https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/. Keep these on file for five years.

How do you keep your workers on board with the safety plans?

Attitude has a major impact on safety and following procedures. If shift leaders or supervisors are goofing off and making a joke out of safety, workers won’t respect the many hazards presented in a greenhouse.

All leaders — and not just owners — should encourage workers to report injuries when they happen. It is worth taking the time to record the incident when it happens, because if the team leaders forget to have employees complete it on time, other issues could arise at a later date; insurance policies could decline to cover the worker’s compensation claim due to paperwork that is not in order, for example.

What are some rules of thumb that should always be followed?

Besides having leadership on board about safety and filling out the correct paperwork, all hazards of the workplace should be identified. This includes proper labeling and storage of chemicals, clear training on chemical hazards including REI signage identifying hazardous areas and available personal protective gear. Leadership can also be helpful in ensuring that any doctor’s orders about injured employees returning to work or any new restrictions they may have are followed.

By following OSHA requirements for injury and illness recordkeeping, you will not only protect your workers, but also protect yourself from costly lawsuits. Verify your worker’s compensation insurance coverage in your routine checks every six months. For more information about insurance coverage, reach out to your agent or visit Hortica.com or call 800-541-5082.

Hortica® property and casualty coverages are underwritten, and loss control services are provided, by Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company, Florists’ Insurance Company, and Florists’ Insurance Service, Inc., Edwardsville, IL, members of the Sentry Insurance Group. For more information, visit hortica.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.

This document is made available by Sentry Insurance a Mutual Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively “SIAMCO”) with the understanding that SIAMCO is not engaged in the practice of law, nor is it rendering legal advice. The information contained in this document is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity, nor the best practices applicable to any particular individual or entity. Legal obligations may vary by state and locality, and best practices are unique to specific items and situations. No one should act on the information contained in this document without advice from a local professional with relevant expertise.

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