JAN 2017
DID YOU KNOW ?
Meteorologists believe that a polar vortex — a low pressure system that causes rapid temperature drops — is to blame for colder-than-normal temperatures in the United States this winter . Polar vortexes also contributed to a cold wave in the winter between 2013 and 2014 , and weather intelligence firm Planalytics estimates that the economic impact of that cold wave was approximately $ 5 billion .
IN THIS ISSUE
• OSHA ’ s Electronic Reporting Rule . A new rule from the agency becomes effective on Jan . 1 , 2017 , and will require some employers to submit injury and illness data electronically .
• FAA Criticized for Ineffective Drone Oversight . An audit conducted by the Office of Inspector General has shown that the FAA has not adequately trained its safety inspectors to enforce commercial drone regulations .
• New FMCSA Rule Creates Database for Drug and Alcohol Testing . A new rule will require motor carrier employers to check a database to see whether their current and prospective employees have unresolved violations under the FMCSA ’ s drug and alcohol testing program .
Provided by : Marshall & Sterling Insurance
Lorraine Emerick , VP
OSHA ’ s Electronic Reporting Rule
OSHA currently requires employers to keep track of their employees ’ injuries and illnesses in an “ OSHA log .” However , in 2016 , the agency released a final rule that will also require some employers to submit these records electronically , so they can be posted on OSHA ’ s website . The final rule becomes effective on Jan . 1 , 2017 .
The following are the requirements for the new rule :
• Establishments with 250 or more employees that are required to keep injury and illness records must electronically submit the following forms : o OSHA Form 300 : Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses o OSHA Form 300A : Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses o OSHA Form 301 : Injury and Illnesses Incident Report
• Establishments with 20-249 employees that work in industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses must electronically submit information from OSHA Form 300A .
With the new rule , OSHA hopes that employers and researchers will be encouraged to find new and innovative ways to prevent injuries and illnesses at workplaces .
For more information on the recordkeeping rule , contact us at 800- 724-0695 . We can provide you with our in-depth compliance bulletin , “ OSHA Issues Final Rule on Electronic Reporting .”