Labor and Employment Alert: OSHA Delays Electronic Reporting Rule

As we reported previously, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) amended its recordkeeping rules related to workplace injuries and illnesses in May 2016 to require employers keeping such records to submit information to OSHA electronically. OSHA, in turn, would post that information on its public website, with the idea of shaming employers with poor safety records. The rules were supposed to go into effect on July 1, 2017.

Now, it appears that these rules may be delayed indefinitely. On May 17, 2017, OSHA announced that it “is not accepting electronic submissions at this time, and intends to propose extending the July 1, 2017 date by which certain employers are required to submit the information” electronically. OSHA did not provide a reason for the delay, but the transition from the Obama administration to the Trump administration is likely a driving force.

We will continue to report on any significant developments. In the interim, contact your Vorys lawyer if you have questions about OSHA recordkeeping.