New OSHA Recordkeeping Rule: Starting January 2024

New OSHA Recordkeeping Rule for High-Hazard Industries

In a significant development aimed at enhancing workplace safety and transparency, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced a new OSHA recordkeeping rule that will expand submission requirements for injury and illness data provided by certain employers in designated high-hazard industries. This rule, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, has far-reaching implications for employers and employees alike. 

Key Provisions of the New OSHA Recordkeeping Rule :

1. Case-Specific Information:

Certain establishments must electronically submit to OSHA detailed information about each recordable injury and illness entered on their previous calendar year’s OSHA 300 Log and 301 Incident Report forms (29 CFR 1904.41). This includes the date, physical location, and severity of the injury or illness; details about the worker who was injured; and details about how the injury or illness occurred.

2. Who is Required:

Only establishments with 100 or more employees in designated industries are required to submit case-specific information from the OSHA Form 300 Log and the OSHA Form 301 Incident Report.

• Establishments that had a peak employment of 100 or more employees during the previous calendar year meet this size criteria.
• The designated industries are listed in Appendix B to Subpart E of 29 C.F.R. Part 1904.
• One way to determine if your establishment(s) is required to report these data is by using OSHA’s ITA Coverage Application.
• The requirements apply to establishments covered by Federal OSHA, as well as establishments covered by states with their own occupational safety and health programs (i.e., State Plans).

3. How to Submit:

The data must be electronically submitted through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA). There are 3 ways to submit the data: (1)webform on the ITA, (2) submission of a csv file to the ITA, and (3) use of an application programming interface (API) feed.

Due Date

The ITA will begin accepting 2023 injury and illness data on January 2, 2024. The due date to complete this submission is March 2, 2024. The submission requirement is annual, and the deadline for timely submission of the previous year’s injury and illness data will be on March 2 of each year.

Existing Requirements Retained

It’s important to note that the new OSHA recordkeeping rule retains the current requirements for electronic submission of information from Form 300A. Establishments with 20-249 employees in certain high-hazard industries and those with 250 or more employees in industries that must routinely keep OSHA injury and illness records will continue to follow the existing submission procedures.

The Objective: Enhanced Workplace Safety

The new OSHA recordkeeping rule aligns with the original intent of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which sought to establish reporting procedures that provide insight into workplace safety and health issues. By making this data publicly accessible, OSHA aims to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses. It will empower workers and employers to make more informed decisions about workplace safety and health. Moreover, OSHA will use this data to intervene through strategic outreach and enforcement to reduce worker injuries and illnesses in high-hazard industries.

The New OSHA Recordkeeping Rule’s Impact

The expansion of submission requirements for injury and illness data is a significant step toward enhancing workplace safety and transparency in high-hazard industries. Employers, employees, and other stakeholders will have access to valuable information that can drive informed decision-making and ultimately reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. As this rule takes effect on January 1, 2024, it is crucial for employers in designated high-hazard industries to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and ensure compliance. By doing so, they contribute to a safer and healthier work environment for all.

Ensure your workplace is ahead of the curve; contact us today for expert assistance with safety and OSHA compliance.

Related Article: OSHA 300A Posting Requirements

More information about OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements