Worker Safety is a Compliance Issue Across the Enterprise

Most employers take workplace safety seriously and have complied with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s long-standing recordkeeping and reporting requirements.  A new OSHA rule effective January 1 requires covered employers to submit injury and illness data electronically.  The rule also includes a number of non-retaliation provisions including prohibiting employers from discouraging workers from reporting an injury or illness.  

It’s important to remember that many businesses that might not “seem” to come under the jurisdiction of OSHA’s safety regulations are, in fact, regulated.  The new reporting requirements will be phased in over two years.  OSHA released a good overview of the new rule, along with a link to the list of small and medium-sized businesses covered under the rule.  The publication is short but thorough.