OSHA Extends Comment Deadline for Proposed Injury & Illness Tracking Rule

According to OSHA, public comments on the proposed rule to improve the tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses can now be submitted until Oct. 14, 2014. The agency says it wants to ensure that employers, employees and the public have access to the most accurate data in their workplaces so that the most appropriate steps toward safer and healthier workplaces can be taken. The proposal, originally published on Nov. 8, 2013, would amend OSHA's recordkeeping regulation to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information.

The public meeting held on the proposal saw many stakeholders concerned that the proposal may create motivation for employers to under-record such incidents and that it would lead to more employers adopting practices that discourage employees reporting incidents.

OSHA is asking for comments on whether to amend the proposed rule to:

1. require that employers inform their employees of their right to report injuries and illnesses;
2. more clearly communicate the requirement that any injury and illness reporting requirements established by the employer be reasonable and not burdensome;
3. provide OSHA an additional remedy to keep employers from taking adverse action against employees who report injuries and illnesses.

Comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov.