OSHA proposes to delay compliance date for electronically submitting injury, illness reports

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a delay in the electronic reporting compliance date of the rule Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses from July 1, 2017, to Dec. 1, 2017. OSHA says the proposed delay will allow it an opportunity to further review and consider the rule.

The agency published the final rule May 12, 2016, and has determined that a further delay of the compliance date is appropriate for the purpose of additional review into questions of law and policy.  The delay also will allow OSHA to provide employers the same four-month window for submitting data that the original rule would have provided, the agency says.

OSHA invites the public to comment on the proposed deadline extension. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, or by mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for details. The deadline for submitting comments is July 13, 2017.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.