OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

What does OSHA's record keeping incident rate refer to?

1. The number of reportable injuries per 100 workers

2. The average length of employee absences due to injury

3. The total financial cost of workplace injuries

4. The percentage of incidents that lead to legal action

The correct answer is: The number of reportable injuries per 100 workers

OSHA's record keeping incident rate refers to the number of reportable injuries per 100 workers. This rate provides a standardized way to measure and compare the frequency of work-related injuries and illnesses across different workplaces and industries. By calculating this rate, companies can assess their safety performance over time and identify trends or areas that require improvement. This metric plays a critical role in ensuring that organizations maintain a safe working environment and comply with regulatory requirements. The focus on reportable injuries is significant because it includes only those incidents that meet specific criteria for documentation, allowing for a more accurate representation of workplace safety. It is a crucial tool for OSHA and employers to monitor workplace safety and implement necessary changes based on the frequency of incidents.