A champion for workers’ rights, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is constantly pushing for stricter rules to keep worksites safe. Recently, OSHA issued its final rule requiring employers to electronically submit the injury and illness data electronically they’re already documenting.

Instituted as an additional measure to improve worker safety, this new OSHA rule will make injury information publicly available. OSHA hopes placing this information in the public eye will motivate employers to make safety a higher priority than ever. Consequently, this could help save more lives, reduce injury rates, and help employers boost profits.

New OSHA Rule for the New Year

Effective as of Jan. 1, 2017, this new OSHA rule doesn’t require employers to submit any new information — it just changes the way the data is shared. Employers must still record injury and illness data on their OSHA Injury and Illness forms, but now some of it will be shared on the OSHA website. The extent of the data shared will vary by company size and industry, but should inspire employers to place a greater emphasis on safety than ever before.

In an effort to keep employers from pressuring workers to remain mum on worksite illnesses and injuries, the new rule specifically prohibits retaliatory behavior. The OSHA workplace poster — which is already required to be displayed in a visible spot at the worksite — covers employees’ right to report injuries and illnesses without fear of retaliation, ensuring they’re well-informed.

This new OSHA rule will be gradually implemented over a two-year period. Employers with 250 or more workers — in industries that fall under the recordkeeping regulation — are required to submit 2016 data from their Form 300A by July 1, 2017. Additionally, companies with 20 to 249 employers in select high-risk industries will also be required to adhere to the July 1, 2017 date.

Employers should check with OSHA to find out when they are required to comply, to avoid being subject to penalties.

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