The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized new federal requirements to make injury and illness data on high-hazard industries more accessible to the public. Starting in August, injury and illness data employers already collect will be sent to OSHA for posting on the agency’s website.
OSHA said the new requirements apply behavioral economics to improve workplace safety. “Since high injury rates are a sign of poor management, no employer wants to be seen publicly as operating a dangerous workplace,” Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels said in a statement to Meat + Poultry. “Our new reporting requirements will ‘nudge’ employers to prevent worker injuries and illnesses to demonstrate to investors, job seekers, customers and the public that they operate safe and well-managed facilities.” OSHA also intends to use the injury data to better target assistance and resources at establishments where workers are at greatest risk. In order to ensure that data submitted to OSHA is accurate, the final rule also requires employers to have a reasonable procedure for reporting injuries and illnesses that doesn’t prevent or discourage employees from reporting.
The final rule can be read here.
