January 7, 2002—Simpler, easier-to-follow requirements for tracking workplace injuries and illnesses are now in effect for 1.4 million employers covered by OSHA’s new recordkeeping rule. OSHA says the new system is easier for employers to understand, better protects employee privacy in sensitive cases, and will yield more accurate injury and illness data. OSHA has clarified and simplified the instructions for filling out the forms, which have been reduced to fit on legal size paper.
Last month, OSHA mailed forms to employers likely to be covered by the rule. In addition, new recordkeeping forms, training materials, and fact sheets are available from OSHA to help employers make the transition to the new system. Employers can also access the Web version of a satellite training broadcast the agency aired on December 12, 2001. The OSHA site also includes frequently asked questions as well as a listing of recordkeeping coordinators and local OSHA offices to contact for further questions.
As employers switch from the old recordkeeping system to the new one, they will need to post their 2001 summary of injuries and illnesses during the month of February. Beginning in 2003, the annual summary is to be posted for three months: February, March, and April.
