OSHA’s electronic record-keeping rule, which was to take effect on July 1, has been delayed. This rule requires certain employers to submit data electronically from their OSHA logs including organizations with 250 or more employees and those in selected higher risk industries.
OSHA intended to make the data publicly available on the OSHA website, which states “public disclosure will encourage employers to improve workplace safety and provide valuable information to workers, job seekers, customers, researchers, and the general public.”
Business groups had challenged this rule noting it could unfairly damage company reputations.
The OSHA website also states, “OSHA is not accepting electronic submissions of injury and illness logs at this time, and intends to propose extending the July 1, 2017 date by which certain employers are required to submit the information from their completed 2016 Form 300A electronically. Updates will be posted to this webpage when they are available.”
OSHA has not provided information regarding when electronic submission may be required.
The Washington Post reported that OSHA spokesperson Mandy Kraft stated OSHA delayed the rule to address employers’ “concerns about meeting their reporting obligations” in time.
For more information, see the Washington Post article “OSHA suspends rule requiring firms report injury and illness data electronically.”
Stay Tuned with KMA
KMA will continue to provide updates as available regarding this reporting rule. If you have questions on your reporting obligations or other employment issues, contact KMA today.