NEW OSHA RULE: Electronic Submissions Now Mandatory for Certain Employers

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OSHA RecordkeepingA new OSHA rule is requiring certain employers to start electronically submitting their recordkeeping forms on workplace illnesses and injuries to OSHA.

Currently, employers who are required by OSHA to complete the 301, 300 and 300A recordkeeping forms were only required to produce the forms when requested by OSHA as part of an inspection or investigation.  Some employers would receive a survey from the Bureau of Labor to answer questions regarding information on their 300 and 300A forms, but were never asked to submit the actual forms.

OSHA will require employers with 250 or more employees who are already required to complete the recordkeeping forms to submit the forms electronically. This information will then be posted on OSHA’s website.  In addition to large employers mentioned above, employers of certain industries will be required to submit the 300A form only.  Below is a link to OSHA’s website regarding the new rule.  The website gives a list of industries under 250 employees who will be required to submit their 300A forms along with FAQ’s.

https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/finalrule/

Although the new rule goes into effect in August of 2016, data submissions will be phased in starting in January 2017.  In 2017, large employers of 250 employees or more, along with certain industries, must submit their 300A form to OSHA by July 1, 2017.  In 2018, large employers will be required to submit the 301, 300 and 300A forms by July 1, 2018 and selected industries will have the same deadline, but will only be required to submit the 300A form.  In 2019, the submission deadline will change from July 1st to March 2nd.  OSHA plans to provide a secure site to which employers can submit their forms.  Personally identifiable information will be removed from the data before being posted on the OSHA website.

The new rule does not change the current recordkeeping rule.  Employers already required to complete the form should continue to do so and keep them for the mandatory 5 years.

Please contact your W3 advisor with any questions regarding OSHA’s new rule and if you are in the list of industries required to submit.

5 Key Areas OSHA Will Be Focusing on During Healthcare Facilities Inspections

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Nurse Outside with 2 Elderly PatientsOSHA will now be focusing on five specific areas when inspecting healthcare facilities. These facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, and long term care facilities.

  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Workplace violence
  • Musculoskeletal disorders relating to patient or resident handling
  • Tuberculosis
  • Bloodborne pathogens

According to a statement from OSHA, inpatient healthcare facilities have consistently shown high health and safety hazards with the above areas.  However, OSHA is not limiting these inspections to the above factors. They will continue to look at exposure to hazardous chemicals, safe patient handling and other hazards. These dangers lead to preventable injuries and illnesses. OSHA feels that this program will help to reduce the number of unnecessary exposures to healthcare facility employees.

According to CarePathways.com, Pinellas County has more nursing homes than any other county in Florida with a total of 71. The closest second is Miami Dade with 54. This number does not include hospitals or assisted living facilities. With such a large concentration of facilities, in such a small area, Pinellas county makes a great place for site inspections.

An excellent safety program along with ongoing employee training is the best way to prepare for this type of inspection. Our risk management team can help you develop and manage your safety program. If you already have one in place, our team will be able to review and suggest improvements. Contact us today to learn more about the risk management tools that we provide.



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