OSHA recently issued a final rule that aims to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. The rule, which took effect on Jan. 1, requires employers with over 250 employees to electronically submit the data from all OSHA forms (OSHA Form 300 — Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; OSHA Form 300A — Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; and OSHA Form 301 — Injury and Illness Incident Report). Establishments with 20-249 employees in certain high risk industries will be required to electronically submit their data from OSHA Form 300A.
Employers with over 250 employers, as well as those with 20-249 employees, must submit information from their 300A forms by July 1, 2017. Employers with over 250 employers will then need to share data from all OSHA forms (300A, 300 and 301) by no later than July 1, 2018. The information that is gathered will be made publicly available on OSHA.gov. The agency believes public disclosure will encourage employers to improve workplace safety while providing valuable information to workers, job seekers, customers, researchers and the general public.
The final rule also requires employers to inform workers of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without retaliation. This obligation may be met by posting the OSHA Job Safety and Health — It’s The Law poster from April 2015 or later. It is also stated that the process of reporting injuries and illnesses must be reasonable as to not discourage workers from making injury and illness reports.
The Mid-South OSHA Training Institute Education Center is offering OSHA 7845 — Recordkeeping Rule Seminar for those required to maintain and post records of occupational injuries and illnesses. Upon completion of this course, individuals will have the ability to identify all OSHA requirements for recordkeeping and complete OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301.
Questions? Call (877) 345-2515.
