The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) new injury and illness recordkeeping rule took effect January 1, 2002. The Agency believes its new requirements apply to some 1.4 million employers. Under a court-sanctioned settlement agreement with the National Association of Manufacturers, OSHA will not begin enforcing the new rule for 120 days.
Last month, OSHA mailed new recordkeeping forms to employers whom the Agency believes are likely to be covered by the rule. Copies of the new recordkeeping forms, as well as training materials and fact sheets on the new rule, are available on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. The website also has a web version of the satellite training broadcast OSHA conducted on December 12, 2001.
OSHA reminds employers that, as they transition to the new recordkeeping system, they will need to post their 2001 summary of injuries and illnesses during February. Beginning in 2003, the annual summary will have to be posted for three months (i.e., February, March and April).
