January 5, 2024

Updated reporting rule, new emergency protections regulation and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA’s updated rule on electronic submissions of annual injury and illness data went into effect on January 1, 2024. The amendment requires establishments with 100 or more employees in specific industries to submit data from OSHA Forms 300, 301 and 300A through the agency’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The ITA page details requirements and provides how-to guides to assist with the process. Electronic submissions will be accepted from January 2, 2024 to March 2, 2024.

OSHA aims to update protections for emergency response employees

This month, OSHA will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking that would update an existing standard as well as expand safety protections for emergency responders. Through these updates, the agency seeks to address the diverse types of employees exposed to hazards common to fires and other emergencies. The proposed regulation would include changes to protective clothing and improvements to other practices in safety and health, such as requirements for baseline medical screening and medical surveillance for responders who meet certain exposure thresholds.