OSHA issues press release regarding Portal for Electronic Recordkeeping Reporting to be available beginning August 1

OSHA issued a press release on July 14, 2017 (see link at https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/index.html ) regarding the availability of the portal for electronic recordkeeping reporting.  The portal will become available on OSHA’s website beginning August 1, 2017.  The press release and announcement comes one day after the public comment period ended.  OSHA previously issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to delay the initial deadline for electronic reporting from July 1 to December 1, 2017.  These events have combined to create some uncertainty for employers about whether and when they may be required to electronically submit recordkeeping data.  At this time, employers should wait until the proposed rulemaking is finalized, and it is likely that electronic recordkeeping will not be required until December 1, 2017, if at all.  The proposed rulemaking indicated that “OSHA also intends to issue a separate proposal to reconsider, revise, or remove other provisions of the prior final rule.”  So, while electronic recordkeeping appears to have taken another step toward actually being required, one cannot be sure exactly what might happen.  Fisher Phillips attorneys will keep you updated as to any new requirements.