This is a reminder to employers that on February 1 they must begin the posting of Form 300A, their "Annual Summary of Work-Related Injury and Illnesses". California law requires employers to post this summary for a three-month period between February 1 and April 30. 2005. The summary must be displayed in a conspicuous location where notices to employees are customarily posted. A copy of the summary must also be made available to employees who move from worksite to worksite and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis. At the end of the three-month period, the summary should be taken down and kept on file for a period of five years following the year to which it pertains.

The information contained on the Form 300A is a summary of data taken from the basic Cal/OSHA Form 300 on which are logged the work-related injuries and illnesses for the previous year and must be certified by a company executive. During the year, employers are required by law to record information on the Form 300 about every work-related death, injury or illness that involves loss of consciousness, restricted work activity or job transfer, days away from work or medical treatment beyond first aid. They must also report significant work-related injuries and illnesses diagnosed by a physician or licensed health care professional.

At the end of the year, the total number of incidents in each category listed on the Form 300 must be transferred to the Form 300A. All establishments covered by the California Code of Regulation, Title 8 Section 14300 must complete and post Form 300A, even if no work-related injuries or illnesses occurred during the year.

The Cal/OSHA 300 series forms are written in plain language and are intended to simplify work-related injury and illness recordkeeping and enhance company safety and health programs. The resulting data collected by these forms will be used to track and compile statistics on work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths so that employers and Cal/OSHA can develop a picture of the extent and severity of work-related incidents. They will also help Cal/OSHA identify the scope of employer assistance needs.

For copies of the 300 series forms or further information clarifying mandatory recordkeeping, including which employers are exempt or no longer exempt, visit the California Recordkeeping Standard section of Cal/OSHA's website. For employers without Internet access or for questions not addressed at this website, call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation office.