What Does
Safety Log Mean?
A safety log is the documentation or record of all incidents, possible injuries, and safety precautions.
It is important to update the safety log on a daily or weekly basis, as it may serve as the ultimate guide about all workplace procedures. The requirement of a safety log is not limited to industries or large organizations; it is also important in small organizations, including colleges and universities.
Safeopedia Explains Safety Log
A safety log covers all safety topics, including maintenance records and severe-injuries reporting. A safety log is usually updated occasionally, though regular updating is encouraged. A regular check-and-balance system is additionally carried out for the safety log after a specific time.
This log also serves as a guide for new and existing employees in an organization. Any individual or group can turn to the safety log for a possible solution to a problem. For example, if an individual or team faced a problem while carrying out a procedure in the past, and the nature of that problem is kept in the safety log, the new worker or team could get insight on that type of problem beforehand. This kind of practice eliminates the possibility of the same mistake occurring repeatedly.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific guidelines for organizations to follow in this regard so they can evaluate the safety requirements in the workplace. As per OSHA's recordkeeping requirements, organizations or employers who employ more than 10 people must record all data regarding serious illness caused in the workplace or serious injury that occurred while carrying out a workplace task. Moreover, these recordkeeping standards require employers to have first aid supplies for any minor injuries. However, there is no requirement for keeping record of these minor injuries.
OSHA requires employers to keep the safety log records for five years, and the logs must be updated at least once per year. These updates must be completed any time between February and April each year. In the case of serious injuries, the employer is obligated to report them within 24 hours. Serious injuries include those involving an employee's body part being seriously affected by the incident or the employee having to be hospitalized because of the injury. The time limit for reporting a fatality is eight hours.