The Associated Builders and Contractors have issued a notice reminding contractors of new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) rules that go into effect on January 1 — “even those who are exempt from maintaining injury and illness records.”
Contractors will now be required to notify OSHA within eight hours if there is a work-related fatality on the job and within 24 hours when an employee suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye. Before, the rule stated that an employer only had to report work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations of three or more employees.
ABC also reported:
Among the changes, employers will have the option to file online reports of fatalities and severe injuries and illnesses via an electronic form that is currently under development. Until the electronic form is available, employers can report to OSHA by: 1. Calling OSHA’s free and confidential number at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or 2. Calling, or visiting, the nearest area office during normal business hours.
More information at http://www.abc.org/NewsMedia/Newsline/tabid/143/entryid/3109/contractors-must-comply-with-the-new-injury-and-illness-rule-starting-jan-1.aspx