Comments Due March 10 on OSHA Injury/Illness Reporting Rule

Last November, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a proposed rule which would require employers to electronically submit their injury and illness reports to OSHA, instead of just keeping that information on file at each work place. OSHA proposes that employers with 250 or more employees submit detailed reports quarterly, while employers with 20 to 249 employees submit just a summary report once a year. In addition, employers would be required to post this information online for the public to examine. OSHA plans to use this newly gathered information to "...be better able to identify and remove workplace hazards." As well, the new information will "...identify the workplaces where workers are at greatest risk."

NRMCA has submitted comments opposing OSHA’s proposal, specifically taking issue with such information unnecessarily being placed into the public domain, different reporting requirements for different size establishments, as well as the fact that OSHA already has the means for collecting this information. NRMCA notes in its comments that, "...OSHA is imposing duplicative, arbitrary and an undue burden on employers of all sizes." NRMCA’s comments go on to state, "...publishing and allowing public access to establishment specific safety data poses serious employer liability concerns and should never be a part any federal agency information collection. Instead of grabbing for greater information collection and enforcement authority, OSHA should rely on utilizing its current authority to further its directive. Continued reliance on current OSHA enforcement, incentives, and voluntary protection programs are proven methods for fulfilling OSHA’s safety and health mission."