Electronic injury & illness reporting to start in 2020 in Washington

Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has finally issued regulations requiring covered Washington employers to follow federal requirements and file annual injury and illness reports electronically with federal OSHA starting in 2020. As explained on OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application web page, the reporting portal will open again on January 2, 2020, and the deadline for submission is March 2, 2020. Covered establishments must electronically submit information from the OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses). You must do so for all establishments (physical locations) with 250 or more employees in industries subject to OSHA recordkeeping requirements, as well as for establishments in designated high-risk industries with at least 20 employees. The calculation is based on peak employment during the last calendar year. Establishments in designated low-risk industries aren’t subject to OSHA recordkeeping requirements, regardless of size, and therefore aren’t required to complete an OSHA Form 300A or file the data electronically with OSHA. Industry designations are based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
 
L&I also updated other portions of its rules to bring them into line with OSHA’s injury reporting requirements. Effective January 1, 2020, the rules require employers to establish reasonable procedures for workers to report on-the-job injuries and illnesses and to inform employees of their right to do so without retaliation. More information about the changes is available in the agency’s rulemaking order.
 
Tips: Not sure whether you’re required to electronically file your facility’s OSHA Form 300A data with OSHA? Contact your Vigilant safety professional.