OSHA 200 Log

OSHA 200

The usefulness of the information gained from the review of the OSHA 200 log is limited by internal practices of recording injuries and illnesses. Some plants record everything and some record only those cases that are sent to see a physician. With back disorders, these cases are not always recognized as being work-related and therefore are not recorded. Thus, the Compliance Officer must determine the internal procedure for recording on the OSHA 200, i.e., who records, what cases are recorded, and when cases are recorded.

The following is a systematic approach to identifying the extent and magnitude of a disease or injury and is based on epidemiological principles. The approach consists of records review, worker surveys, and job analysis respectively. This information may be used to determine which jobs pose a risk to workers.

Advantages:

• Identify additional cases, departments, and job titles.

Limitations:

• Does not include cases where treatment is paid for directly by the employee or comprehensive health insurance.
• Describes only most severe and advanced problems. May fail to identity problems in early stage of development.

OSHA 200 Records -Plant Medical Records

In larger plants that employ health care providers, individual employee medical folders, or records, will be maintained and every visit to the health office may be recorded in the record. Such records should be accessed through a medical access order. There may also be a first-aid log or health office sign-in log. Entries in these records often include:

• Date of visit;
• Department or location where employee works;
• Description of injury or illness;
• Treatment given, including medications; and
• Work restrictions recommended.
• Monthly summaries of employee visits to the health office are often compiled by health office personnel. If there are too many records, review a random sample of records to identify cases of back disorders.