How to Conduct an OSHA Log Audit

OSHA recordkeeping and compliance are critical for employers, but can also be difficult to understand. As an agent, assisting in this area is an excellent way to add value to client relationships (and hook prospective clients). 

Helping an employer audit their OSHA records is a fairly simple exercise for an agent, but immensely valuable for the employer. 

Why should employers conduct regular OSHA log audits? 

There are many beneficial reasons to regularly review OSHA records for accuracy, including: 

• • Avoiding penalties: OSHA logs are one of the first things an OSHA inspector looks at, so it’s essential to have the records in order in case of a surprise visit from OSHA. 

• • Preparation for posting and submission: All employers are required to post their OSHA 300A Summary annually from February to April, and many employers must also submit some or all of their OSHA records electronically to OSHA by March 2. It’s critical to audit those records before posting and submission to ensure accuracy and compliance. 

• • Improving workplace safety: Regular audits of OSHA records can reveal recurring incidents, patterns, and trends that employers (and their agents) can use to improve workplace safety measures. 

• • Reducing insurance costs: Monitoring OSHA records regularly allows employers and agents to spot and correct red flags that drive up work comp costs, such as excessive lost time. 

How to conduct an OSHA log analysis 

It may sound intimidating, especially if you aren’t an OSHA recordkeeping expert, but any agent can conduct a thorough OSHA log audit.  

First, grab this checklist that walks you and your client through the process and makes it nearly foolproof! 

Then, keep these tips in mind: 

1. 1. Review each individual entry to ensure incidents are correctly logged and no information is missing. 
   2. Talk to the employer about their processes, to ensure all recordable incidents are logged (and just as importantly, that they aren’t over-reporting incidents). Check this guide to ensure only the required incidents get logged. 
   3. Cross-check the OSHA logs with other records, such as workers’ comp loss runs, employee absentee records, and first aid logs. Address discrepancies to ensure consistent, accurate information across all records.  
   4. Use the process as a teaching opportunity to educate your client or prospect about proper OSHA recordkeeping practices. 
   5. Remind the employer of key compliance deadlines, including February 1 for posting their OSHA 300A Summary and March 2 for electronically submitting some or all of their OSHA logs. 
   6. Consider providing solutions to make OSHA recordkeeping super simple for employers, such as OSHA recordkeeping software. 

Best of all, grab this done-for-you OSHA Log Audit Checklist to make the process easy on you while impressing your clients and prospects.