As we step into 2024, we’re highlighting this year’s significant updates made by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), specifically regarding the new Injury Tracking Application (ITA). These changes aim to enhance safety and health standards across various high-hazard industries.

Key Takeaways from OSHA’s Updated ITA

1. New Electronic Submission Requirements:
Starting January 1, 2024, OSHA requires establishments with 100 or more employees in designated high-hazard industries to electronically submit detailed information from their OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report) annually. This new mandate complements the existing requirement for businesses with 20-249 employees to submit Form 300A summaries. The annual deadline for submission is set for March 2nd.

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2. Enhanced Transparency and Data Accessibility:
OSHA will now begin publishing certain collected data on its website. This move is designed to provide a transparent view of each company’s workplace safety and health records, enabling employers, employees, potential hires, and the general public to make informed decisions. The intent is to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses through increased awareness and intervention strategies.

3. Legal Company Name Inclusion:
To improve data quality, it’s now mandatory for establishments to include their legal company name when making electronic submissions to OSHA.

4. Updates to Industry Classifications:
The new rule includes updated North American Classification System (NAICS) codes, specifying the industries required to submit these reports.

5. Impact Scope:
These updates are expected to affect less than one percent of establishments nationwide but will account for nearly 30 percent of all reportable occupational injuries and illnesses.

6. Potential Implications for Employers
The public posting of injury and illness data raises concerns for employers, as it could lead to increased scrutiny from unions, plaintiffs’ attorneys, and even potential OSHA inspections. It’s crucial for businesses to understand the risk of exposure and prepare accordingly.

Preparing for the New ITA Process

To align with these changes, employers should:

• Review and update current injury and illness recordkeeping procedures.
• Assess employee numbers to determine reporting obligations.
• Prepare for electronic submission through the ITA platform.

By understanding and complying with OSHA’s new ITA process, we can collectively contribute to a safer, more transparent work environment. For detailed guidance on how to navigate these new changes, reach out to our safety experts or at info@pearsonsafety.com. 

For more information about the ITA process, go to osha.gov/injuryreporting.