How can OSHA’s rule improve tracking workplace injuries & illness?

Occupational injuries and illnesses can eat out of a company’s profit. Companies spend $170 billion a year on costs associated with occupational injuries and illnesses, according to research. And workplaces focused on safety and health have been found to reduce costs related to injuries and illnesses by 20 to 40 per cent. A safety and health focus can help companies save their money, increase their profits, improve their overall output and up their employee morale. It has been researched that a Fortune Five company gained productivity by 13 percent, while a small, 50-person plant decreased faulty product and saved more than $265,000 by implementing a strong safety and health program. In today’s competitive environment any saving can be the difference between operating in the dark and running in the red.

OSHA provides information and expertise in the area of workplace safety and health to help businesses tailor solutions to meet their needs.

It is a given that companies with a high priority on safety and health are usually rated "better places to work". Employees are proud to work for such companies who are seen as caring towards their staff. And this is reflective by them achieving higher productivity at the workplace. In the event of an injury or illness, they are more likely to return to work quickly.

OSHA works with companies to provide assessments and implement safety and health management systems with a view to creating better work environments. With a commitment to reduce the rate of lost production by 2 per cent per year, given that lost productivity from injuries and illnesses costs companies $60 billion each year. OSHA offers a variety of tools, services, and programs to fit the needs of employers, employees, and safety and health professionals.

Rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

OSHA issued a new rule on Jan1, 2017, which requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness data that they are already required to record on their onsite OSHA Injury and Illness forms. Analysis of this data will enable OSHA to use its enforcement and compliance assistance resources more efficiently. Some of the data will also be posted on the OSHA website.

OSHA is of the view that public disclosure will encourage employers to improve workplace safety and provide valuable information to workers, job seekers, customers, researchers and the general public. The quantity of data submitted will vary depending on the size of company and type of industry.

Impact SafetyImpact Safety is a comprehensive safety source for businesses in all industries and fields looking to reduce risk, protect assets, and create a safe, compliant work environment. The company has put together a group of safety and health professionals that have practical experience in OSHA compliance, workplace safety, fire protection, hazardous materials and confined space entry and confined space rescue.

Impact Safety is providing companies compliance and safety training at its Osha Education Center enabling them to maintain a high standard of safety excellence at the workplace.