ALERT: OSHA extends electronic filing deadline to December 15, 2017

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced that it is postponing its December 1, 2017, deadline for electronic filing of summary injury and illness data, to December 15, 2017. OSHA’s electronic reporting requirement currently applies to employers in Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. Employers in California and Washington don’t have to worry yet about this electronic reporting requirement because their state safety and health agencies haven’t begun rulemaking on this subject.
 
As we previously reported, the first electronic reports of the 2016 OSHA Summary (Form 300A) were scheduled to be submitted by July 1, 2017, for large establishments (250 or more employees) as well as establishments in designated high-risk industries (including agriculture, manufacturing, warehousing, and residential care facilities) with at least 20 employees. OSHA later extended the deadline to December 1, prior to this latest extension to December 15, 2017. Covered employers are expected to submit their OSHA Form 300A through OSHA’s online Injury Tracking Application (ITA). 
 
Tips: Because it is uncertain whether OSHA will further delay the electronic reporting requirements, we recommend holding off on submitting data as long as possible prior to the new deadline. OSHA’s original rule also laid out a graduated schedule for additional annual reports in 2018 and beyond, but it is unclear whether the agency may further delay or change those requirements as well. Vigilant will keep members apprised. Please contact your Vigilant safety professional with any questions.