The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) released final rules that now requires employers to report injuries and illnesses that they record electronically. Why did OSHA promulgate this new rule? The goal is to harness the benefits of “Big Data.” “Big Data” is all the rage in modern business analytics and OSHA is trying to utilize this information to improve worker safety.
The hope is that this simple change will improve worker safety for everyone across the country. The data will inform OSHA of common human behaviors and help the agency design new rules and training programs to improve safety.
Moreover, it prevents companies from obfuscating accident or injury rates (an obviously relevant fact people need to know when applying for jobs). Furthermore, it is hoped the rule will nudge employers to adopt improved safety policies on their own, without government intervention.
The rule requires employers to submit only information that they already have on record electronically; it does not require them to begin gathering data. OSHA will then publish some of the data on its website to inform the public of safety trends.
If you suffered an on-the-job injury, then you may want to call a workers’ compensation attorney. There are several methods to seek recovery including through both federal and state programs. Which avenue you choose (you are likely covered by state insurance) depends on your job. A lawyer can help you through the process to ensure that you start receiving payments as soon as possible. You don’t want to risk your home or your family’s stability due to an injury; a lawyer can help you get the money you need to keep your family stable.
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