New OSHA Rules Set to Take Effect

The article, “New OSHA Rules Set to Take Effect,” featured in Akron Legal News, highlighted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) new final rule that takes effect on Jan. 1, which will require certain businesses to electronically submit some of their workers’ injury and illness incidents for posting to its website.

Scott Gedeon provided his take on the new rule.

He said making the data public could lead to incorrect assumptions about a company’s workplace safety record.

“Just because an injury is recordable does not mean there has been a violation of OSHA rules or that there is a basis for a workers’ compensation claim,” said Scott. “Employees who view this information may incorrectly assume the company has an unsafe working environment.

“The rule could also lead to vendors or subcontractors not wanting to do business with a company,” said Scott.

“OSHA has taken a position that employers need to revisit their reporting policies,” said Scott. “Many companies require that injuries be reported immediately to a supervisor. OSHA has asked that the reporting policies be reasonable. For example, instead allowing a worker to report an injury at the end of a shift or within eight hours.”

To read the full article, please visit Akron Legal News.