Reporting and Recordkeeping have been a standard with OSHA since the 1990’s, but due to changes in economic standards and industry, new guidelines and exemptions have been updated based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and injury and illness data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2007-2009. Here’s what you need to know:
OSHA’s updated recordkeeping rule expands the list of severe injuries and illnesses that employers must report to OSHA. As of January 1, 2015, all employers must report:
- All work-related fatalities within 8 hours.
- All work-related inpatient hospitalizations (which has changed from 3 or more hospitalizations to all without exception), all amputations, and all losses of an eye within 24 hours. You can report to OSHA by calling OSHA’s free and confidential number at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Only fatalities occurring within 30 days of the work-related incident must be reported to OSHA. Further, for an inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye, these incidents must be reported to OSHA only if they occur within 24 hours of the work-related incident.
Why the changes?
Teaming up with NAICS, OSHA is working to collaboratively and proactively prevent work-related fatalities or severe injury or illness due to work. These changes in recordkeeping and reporting standards will increase communication, both among employers and staff, but also between employers and OSHA. Employers should note that those who report injury, hospitalization or fatality will see an increase in OSHA on-site inspections. It is the goal of OSHA and researchers to increase workplace safety and healthy, and to identify serious workplace hazards.
Where to go for more information.
For the updated list of exempt industries and the most up to date changes on reporting requirements, visit: www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014.
WorkSourcetakes the safety of your work environment seriously. It is our responsibility to stay informed about important updates that may affect your business. For more information on OSHA safety standards contact our team at WorkSource today.