In May of this year, OSHA published a rule entitled “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses” with an effective date of January 1, 2017 for the final rule’s electronic reporting requirements. Initially the deadline was set for July 1, 2017—the date which certain employers are required to submit the information from their completed 2016 Form 300A to OSHA electronically. However, a new action has been proposed that would extend the submission deadline to December 1, 2017. This is to provide the new administration an opportunity to review the new electronic reporting requirements and allow affected companies sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the electronic reporting system, which will not be available until August 1.
As always, injury records must be maintained at the worksite for at least five years. Each February through April, employers are required to post a summary of the injuries and illnesses recorded the previous year. Also, if requested, copies of the records must be provided to current and former employees, or their representatives. Forms 300, 300A, 301 and instructions are available on the OSHA website.
The proposed five-month delay would be effective on the date of a final rule in the Federal Register. OSHA also intends to issue a separate proposal to reconsider, revise, or remove other provisions of the prior final rule. OSHA will seek comment on those provisions in that separate proposal. In this proposal, OSHA only seeks comment on the delay of the July 1, 2017 compliance date to December 1, 2017. Written comments must be submitted by July 13, 2017.
For more information on your compliance questions, contact our offices at Diversified Safety Services.
