OSHA currently requires employers to keep track of their employees’ injuries and illness in an “OSHA log.” However, the agency has recently released a final rule that will also require some employers to submit these records electronically, so they can then be posted on OSHA’s website. Although the new rule will not change an employer’s requirements to complete and retain regular injury and illness records, some employers will have additional obligations. Here are the requirements for the new rule:
Businesses with 250 or more employees that are required to keep injury and illness records must electronically submit the following forms:
- OSHA Form 300: Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
- OSHA Form 300A: Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
- OSHA Form 301: Injury and Illnesses Incident Report
Businesses with 20-249 employees that work in industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses must electronically submit informationfrom OSHA Form 300A.
The final rule also includes provisions to encourage workers to report work-related injuries and illnesses to their employers and to prohibit employers from retaliating against workers for making those reports.
OSHA will post the establishment-specific injury and illness data it collects under the new recordkeeping rule on its public website, www.osha.gov. Additionally, the agency will remove any personally identifiable information (PII) before the data is released to the public. With the new rule, OSHA hopes that employers and researchers will be encouraged to find new and innovative ways to prevent injuries and illnesses at workplaces.
For more information on the recordkeeping rule, contact us at 402.399.8244. We can provide you with several comprehensive articles to keep your employees safe and your business in compliance with OSHA regulations.