The US Department of Labor (DOL) has recently unveiled a game-changing regulation aimed at enhancing workplace safety and health. Starting on January 1, 2024, employers in high-hazard industries (such as freight trucking, manufacturing, or postal service) will be required to submit electronic injury and illness data to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This regulation is a significant step towards creating safer workplaces and ensuring transparency in reporting.
What's changing?
So, what exactly does this regulation entail? Here's a breakdown of the changes:
- Electronic Submission: Employers with 100 or more employees operating in specific high-hazard industries will now need to electronically submit information from their Form 300-Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses and Form 301-Injury and Illness Incident Report to OSHA once a year. This additional submission complements the existing requirement to submit Form 300A-Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
- Include legal company name: Employers are required to include their legal company name when making electronic submissions to OSHA. This step will help improve the quality and accuracy of the data collected.
- Data transparency: OSHA will publish some of the collected data on its website. This move is designed to empower various stakeholders, including employers, employees, potential employees, employee representatives, customers, researchers, and the general public with insights into a company's workplace safety and health record. The goal is to promote informed decision-making and, ultimately, reduce occupational injuries and illnesses.
Why is this regulation important?
The DOL Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker, emphasizes the significance of this regulation. He notes, "Congress intended for the Occupational Safety and Health Act to include reporting procedures that would provide the agency and the public with an understanding of the safety and health problems workers face, and this rule is a big step in finally realizing that objective."
By providing OSHA with comprehensive data, we are enabling the agency to take strategic actions to reduce worker injuries and illnesses in high-hazard industries. Furthermore, making this data publicly accessible will foster a culture of safety, where employers and employees alike can make informed decisions about their workplaces.
Retention of existing requirements
It's essential to mention that the final rule retains the current requirements for electronic submission of information from Form 300A for establishments with 20–249 employees in specific high-hazard industries, as well as establishments with 250 or more employees in industries that routinely keep OSHA injury and illness records.
What's next?
This announcement follows proposed amendments from March 2022, and marks a significant milestone toward safer and healthier workplaces.
As we approach the implementation date on January 1, 2024, it's crucial for employers in high-hazard industries to familiarize themselves with the requirements and prepare for compliance.
Visit OSHA and its injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements for more detailed information. Let's work together to make our workplaces safer and healthier for everyone!
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