OSHA moves to update recordkeeping and reporting requirements for low-risk industries

Today's post comes from G.Neil's HR News Weekly:

A recent proposal by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would exclude certain low-risk industries from injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements. In consideration of the proposal, OSHA is seeking input on questions such as:

=> Which industry sectors, if any, should be ineligible for partial exemption?
=> Should OSHA consider numbers of workers injured or made ill in each industry in addition to industry injury/illness rates in determining eligibility for partial exemption?
=> Should OSHA regularly update the list of lower-hazard exempted industries? If so, how frequently should the list be updated?

In addition to considering a list of "lower-hazard" industries eligible for partial exemption, OSHA is proposing that employers report all work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations within eight hours (and amputations within 24 hours). Currently, employers only have to report these incidents if they involve three or more employees. 

OSHA is accepting comments and feedback on the proposed changes through September 20, 2011.

The ComplyRight™ OSHA Recordkeeping System not only takes the guesswork out of the latest regulations, but it also makes it easy to complete the mandatory OSHA forms and post OSHA safety information - in full compliance with the law.

OSHA moves to update recordkeeping and reporting requirements for low-risk industries

Reminder: OSHA Form 300A posting deadline right around the corner!

Just so the date doesn’t get away from you … OSHA Form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, must be displayed from February 1, 2011, through April 30, 2011. The form summarizes the number of on-the-job injuries and illnesses for the calendar year, as logged on the OSHA Form 300.

It should be posted in a conspicuous place by February 1 and remain on view through April 30 – in a location where it can’t be altered, defaced or covered by other posted material.

A few things to keep in mind:

=> Even if there weren’t any recordable injuries or illnesses in 2010, you must post the form with zeros on the “TOTAL” line.

=> Copies should be made available to any employee who might not see the summary (a remote employee who works from home, for example).

=> You’ll need certain employment information, such as the annual average number of employees and total hours worked in the calendar year, to determine incidence rates.

=> You should post separate summaries for each work site.

=> Your business is exempt if you employ fewer than 10 workers (and had no fatalities).

=> The form must be filled out and certified by a company executive as correct and complete.

Reminder: OSHA Form 300A posting deadline right around the corner!