12 Jun

New OSHA Requirements: Recording & Reporting

By Alyse Ridpath

In an effort to continuously create a safer work environment for employees, OSHA has established a record keeping rule that initially took effect in 2017, with its second phase right around the corner. This rule requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness data. OSHA believes that this rule will help protect and inform workers, as well as encourage employers to maintain a safe workplace by having their injury and illness data accessible to the public.

The first phase of the data submission from 2017:

Establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records must electronically submit their OSHA 300A forms for the previous year by December 15, 2017.
Establishments with 20-249 employees that are within certain industries listed by OSHA must submit their OSHA 300A forms for the previous year by December 15, 2017.

The second phase deadline for data submission in 2018:

Establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records must electronically submit their OSHA 300A, 300 and 301 forms for the previous year by July 1, 2018.
Establishments with 20-249 employees that are within certain industries listed by OSHA must submit their OSHA 300A forms for the previous year by July 1, 2018.

Within this final rule, provisions are included that encourage workers to report work-related injuries or illnesses to their employer, while discouraging employers from retaliation against the workers making these reports. Employers must inform employees of the procedure for reporting work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as posting the OSHA Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law poster from April 2015 or later.

If you are concerned your organization is not OSHA compliant, don’t worry!

Contact Robert Ridpath CSP, CFEI at rmr@wandling.com or 515-232-0158.