Help Clients Avoid the Dangers of Over-Reporting Incidents in OSHA Logs

When it comes to OSHA recordkeeping and compliance, reporting accuracy is paramount. To ensure compliance, it is not uncommon for an employer to err on the side of caution and over-report incidents on their OSHA logs. 

However, that strategy can easily backfire and lead to many negative consequences for the employer.  

As an agent, one way to support your clients (and educate your prospects) is with OSHA recordkeeping, particularly what should (and shouldn’t) be recorded. 

The risks of over-reporting incidents 

1. 1. Increased Scrutiny and Inspections: Over-reporting can attract more attention from OSHA, potentially triggering inspections and investigations that can result in penalties. 
   2. Higher Workers’ Compensation Costs: The number of reported incidents impacts workers' compensation insurance premiums. Over-reporting can result in higher costs. 
   3. Damage to Reputation: A larger number of incidents can damage the company’s reputation. Clients, partners, and the public might perceive the workplace as unsafe, potentially leading to loss of business opportunities. 
   4. Misleading Safety Metrics: Accurate safety metrics are essential for continuous improvement in workplace safety. Over-reporting can distort these metrics, leading to misguided strategies and initiatives that do not accurately address the real issues. 
   5. Reduced Competitive Advantage: Companies with higher reported incident rates may find themselves at a disadvantage compared to competitors with better safety records. This can affect bids for contracts, especially in industries where safety records are a critical factor. 

What should be recorded in OSHA logs 

OSHA requires that any work-related injury or illness be recorded if it results in: 

• • Death 

• • Days away from work (here's how to count days away from work, per OSHA)

• • Restricted work or transfer to another job 

• • Medical treatment (beyond first aid) 

• • Loss of consciousness 

• • A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a licensed health care professional 

• • Significant aggravation of a pre-existing condition 

Incidents that do not need to be reported include: 

• • Incidents that occur off employer premises and are not work-related  

• • Pre-existing conditions not aggravated by a work event or exposure 

• • Injuries/illnesses that require only first aid treatment 

How to support your clients 

Helping your clients with complex OSHA recordkeeping is a smart way to add value to your relationships beyond insurance. Here’s how to do it: 

1. 1. Educate your clients on OSHA recordkeeping with helpful resources, such as: 
      • Handout: The Dangers of Over-Reporting Incidents 
      • Top 10 OSHA Recordkeeping Mistakes to Avoid 
      • 9 Common OSHA 300A Summary Mistakes 
   2. Offer to audit their OSHA logs to ensure accuracy 
   3. Remind them about annual OSHA recordkeeping deadlines: 
      • Feb 1: Deadline to post OSHA 300A Summary (all employers) 
      • March 2: Deadline to electronically submit OSHA logs (many employers) 
   4. Provide free software and resources to simplify OSHA recordkeeping, like OSHAlogs.