The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is advancing plans for an expanded recordkeeping and reporting rule that has drawn concern from construction industry groups who say the data on workplace injuries and illnesses could be mischaracterized. Labor groups have been supportive of the final rule, which is set to take effect at the start of next year.
The rule, which OSHA published in the Federal Register July 21, largely restores annual record submission requirements included in an Obama-era rule that OSHA had partially walked back during the Trump administration, with some additional changes. Establishments with 100 or more employees in certain sectors, including foundation, structure and building exterior contractors and some construction materials producers, will need to submit Forms 300 and 301 to OSHA every March. Form 300 has employers log any work-related injuries or illnesses. On Form 301, employers provide further detail about any incidents and the healthcare employees received after it. Under the rule, more construction and other employers will also need to submit Form 300A, which summarizes total incidents.