In early November, OSHA published a proposed rule (78 FR 67253) which would require employers to electronically submit their injury and illness summary (Form 300A) to OSHA instead of just keeping that information on file at each work place. OSHA proposes that employers with 250 or more employees submit their Form 300A quarterly, while employers with high injury and illness rates with 20 to 249 employees submit their Form 300A just once a year. 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."

Originally, OSHA scheduled the comment deadline for the proposed rule for February 6, 2014. However, on January 7, OSHA announced an extension of 30 days. The new comment period due date is Saturday, March 8. NRMCA will submit comments on the proposed rule highlighting the increased industry liabilities.

Click here to view the proposed rule. For more information, contact Gary Mullings at gmullings@nrmca.org or Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.