OSHA Standards and Record Keeping

OSHA operates under a general standard clause. It says that each employer shall furnish to each of their employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. To carry out this basic mission, OSHA promulgates detailed legally enforceable standards. Employers also follow standards from the International Safety Equipment Association and from the American National Standards Institute.

The regulations don’t just list standards to which employers should adhere, but how. For example, OSHA’s respiratory protection standard also covers employee training. Under OSHA, employers with 11 or more employees must maintain records of and report certain occupational injuries and occupational illnesses. An occupational illness is any abnormal condition or disorder caused by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment. This includes acute and chronic illnesses caused by toxic substances or harmful agents.

Employers must report all occupational illnesses. Similarly, OSHA’s record-keeping requirements are broad. Examples of recordable conditions include any work-related fatality.