OSHA set to roll out new injury reporting requirements in new year

Employers will soon need to update their protocols for reporting serious workplace injuries under new rules being implemented by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Starting Jan. 1, all workplace accidents that result in inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or the loss of an eye must be reported within 24 hours of finding out about the accident. Currently, employers only have to report injuries to OSHA if an accident results in the inpatient hospitalization of three or more employees.

An OSHA rule requiring employers to report work-related deaths remains in place, but the administration emphasized that fatalities must be reported within eight hours of finding out about them.

The U.S. Department of Labor hosted a Twitter chat Thursday to explain some of the thinking behind the new reporting rules.

.@DaveTheHRCzar Amputations, hospitalizations & loss of eye are significant events indicating serious hazards may exist. #Reporting2015

— US Labor Department (@USDOL) December 11, 2014

.@SafetyHealthMag #OSHA is still finalizing its enforcement policy. New requirements will be in effect Jan 1 for fed OSHA. #Reporting2015

— US Labor Department (@USDOL) December 11, 2014

.@jbhaber The best way is to go to: http://t.co/n0aKLGqHAI #Reporting2015

— US Labor Department (@USDOL) December 11, 2014