New OSHA recordkeeping rule goes into effect
More than the calendar changed January 1. OSHA’s new recordkeeping rule went into affect.

According to the International Safety Equipment Association, the new rules change the definition of recordable injuries.

If the injury results in restricted activity only on the day of the injury or if it requires a visit to the doctor for observation, counseling, diagnostic procedures or first aid, it’s a non-recordable injury.

Employers now only need to record significant aggravation (i.e. death, loss of consciousness, loss of work, job transfer or medical treatment) of a pre-existing condition by a workplace event or exposure.

The new rule postpones the adoption of hearing and musculoskeletal disorder rules until 2003.

OSHA will not enforce the rules for the first 120 days; instead it will focus on compliance assistance with those companies that show good faith in following the new rules.

To review OSHA’s training on the recordkeeping rule, visit this Web site. This is a simulcast of a December 12, 2001 satellite feed. It will be available online for review until June, 2002.

OSHA at World Trade Center site
OSHA personnel are playing a key role in the recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. They are assessing hazards and working with crews to abate hazards associated with the recovery process.

Here’s a snapshot of its involvement:

 Published in the May/June 2002 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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