OSHA
has issued a proposed rule to improve workplace safety and health through improved tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. The agency is seeking to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information that employers must keep under existing standards. The first proposed new requirement is for establishments with more than 250 employees to electronically submit the records on a quarterly basis to OSHA. According to OSHA Administrator David Michaels, the changes will "encourage earlier abatement of hazards and result in improved programs to reduce workplace hazards and prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities."
OSHA is also proposing that establishments with 20 or more employees in certain industries with high injury and illness rates be required to submit electronically only their summary of work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA once a year.
The public will have until Feb. 6, 2014, to submit written comments on the proposed rule. The agency also plans to hold a Jan. 9, 2014, public meeting on the proposed rule in Washington, DC.
