What’s Going on with the OSHA Electronic Reporting Rule?

OMA Connections Partner, Dinsmore, reminds and updates us about this new OSHA recordingkeeping rule: “On May 11, 2016, OSHA finalized the rule to “Improve Tracking of Workplace of Injuries and Illnesses.” The final rule amended two provisions of OSHA’s recordkeeping standards. As was expected, the rule requires many employers to electronically submit certain injury and illness records to OSHA. More unexpectedly, the rule contains certain anti-retaliation provisions that have been the subject of ongoing litigation.

“The first phase-in deadline requires all covered employers to electronically submit the 300A Summary by July 1, 2017. According to OSHA’s website, OSHA “will provide a secure website” for electronic reporting. Despite the looming deadline, OSHA has not yet rolled out the website for these electronic submissions, nor has OSHA issued any formal statement regarding when employers should expect the secure website to be available.”

And Dinsmore advises: “Although the future of the electronic reporting rule remains uncertain, covered employers should be prepared to submit 300A information by July 1, 2017 should OSHA move forward with the initial deadline and make the reporting website available.”