The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new rule that will require employers in certain high-hazard industries to electronically submit injury and illness data to the agency. This rule, which took effect on January 1, 2024, is designed to improve the quality and accessibility of workplace safety data.
What's New?
Under the new rule, establishments with 100 or more employees in designated high-hazard industries will be required 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. These submissions are in addition to the current requirement to submit Form 300A-Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.
Improved Data Quality
The new rule also includes provisions to improve the quality of the data submitted to OSHA. For example, establishments will be required to include their legal company name when making electronic submissions. This will help OSHA to track trends and identify workplaces with high injury rates.
Transparency and Worker Safety
OSHA will publish some of the data collected on its website. This will allow employers, employees, and researchers to access information about workplace safety hazards. The agency hopes that this transparency will lead to improvements in workplace safety practices.
What Employers Need To Do
Employers in covered industries should take steps to ensure that they are in compliance with the new rule. This includes:
- Reviewing OSHA's guidance on the electronic reporting requirements.
- Reviewing OSHA's online reporting FAQ's
- Ensuring any Safety Programs are updated with this new process.
The new OSHA rule requiring electronic injury reporting for high-hazard industries is a positive step towards improving workplace safety. By making workplace safety data more accessible and transparent, the agency hopes to encourage employers to take steps to prevent injuries and illnesses.
Contact Premier Safety Resources if you need assistance with this new reporting requirement.