OSHA electronic reporting requirements opposed by business owners Email
Written by ALCC   
Tuesday, October 09, 2018 02:00 AM

computerBusinesses continue to oppose OSHA’s electronic reporting requirements regarding workplace injury and illness. The requirements are part of a final rule issued in 2016 which was revised in July 2018. The revision eliminated some reporting requirements due to security concerns but other electronic reporting requirements remain. A group of business organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals, has issued a statement urging OSHA to make further revisions. 

The 2018 proposed revision eliminated required electronic submission of OSHA Forms 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report) for organizations with 250+ employees. The requirement to maintain such records remains. 

But the purpose of the electronic reporting was to offer a public record of workplace injuries and illness. Such a public record could violate the privacy of the employees in the reports, prompting the revision. 

At issue for many employers is the remaining requirement not rescinded by the July 2018 proposed rule. Establishments with 250+ employees and those with 20-249 employees in specified industries (agriculture, constructions, and lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores are included in this list) would still be required to electronically report Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses). 

The Coalition for Workplace Safety issued a statement regarding the proposed revisions, citing continued privacy concerns with the remaining electronic reporting requirements. Read the full statement. 

For full information about the Final Rule and proposed changes, visit https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/

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