OSHA is launching their Injury Tracking Application (ITA) for employers to electronically submit injury and illness data in compliance with the final rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. Every facility should determine the applicability of 29 CFR 1904, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, to their facility.
One of the major motivations behind OSHA issuing this rule update is the expectation that having injury and illness data publicly available will encourage employers to focus more on safety. Under this rule, certain employers that are already required to record injury and illness data will be required to electronically submit this data to OSHA in compliance with the established dates.
Various resources are available on OSHA’s website that can be used to determine applicability of this final rule to your facility. Be sure to review this information in detail, and take advantage of the opportunity to review your injury and illness reporting process. All employees should be encouraged to report incidents, illnesses, and near misses. A clear policy on how to complete this process should be established and reviewed on a regular basis.