OSHA Delays Enforcement of New Rule’s Anti-Retaliation Provisions

According to OMA Connections Partner, Roetzel, “On July 13, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it was delaying enforcement of the anti-retaliation provisions in its new injury and illness tracking rule. …

“The new rule also includes whistleblower protections, which require employers to inform workers of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without fear of retaliation, and implement procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses that are reasonable and do not deter workers from reporting. The whistleblower protections were originally scheduled to begin August 10, 2016, but enforcement will now begin November 1, 2016. There is no change in the effective date for electronic reporting provisions.” (Electronic reporting begins in 2017.)

The delay is possibly related to a lawsuit that has been filed: “In their complaint, the National Association of Manufacturers and other industry groups allege the anti-retaliation provisions go too far in limiting post-accident drug testing. …”