OSHA will begin distributing the latest occupational injury and illness data collection forms (OSHA Form 196) the week of July 2, 2001, to approximately 80,000 employers nationwide. The research is part of an annual collection of occupational injury and illness data.
The 2000 data will allow OSHA to calculate occupational injury and illness rates by specific employer establishments. According to a recent report in the Washington Post, however, OSHA rejected a proposal to separately report musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, on the basis that the current definition of such injuries is too vague.
The Agency will use the data to determine if there is a reduction in injury and illness rates at establishments where OSHA has had an intervention. The information will also be used to focus OSHA activities such as inspections, outreach, consultations, and technical assistance, and to target hazardous work sites under the Site Specific Targeting plan.
Establishments that receive the OSHA Form 196 in the mail are required to provide average employment, hours worked, and a summary of the occupational injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2000. Employers should return the completed forms within 30 days, even if there are no occupational injuries or illnesses recorded on their 2000 OSHA No. 200. Completed forms can be returned by mail or fax, or via the Internet, using a secure electronic version of the form. The electronic form can be accessed from OSHA.
