As of February 1, 2018, many employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses - certain low-risk industries are exempted and minor injuries requiring first aid only do not need to be recorded.
This information helps employers, workers and OSHA evaluate the safety of a workplace, understand industry hazards, and implement worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards –preventing future workplace injuries and illnesses.
The records must be maintained at the worksite for at least five years. Each February through April, employers must post a summary of the injuries and illnesses recorded the previous year. Also, if requested, copies of the records must be provided to current and former employees, or their representatives.
DOL Adjusts OSHA Penalties for Inflation
On January 2, 2018, the Department of Labor (DOL) increased civil penalties for multiple regulated areas, including child labor and OSHA, wage and hour, and immigration, by 2 percent to adjust for inflation. The increase is in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which requires the DOL to annually adjust its civil penalty levels for inflation no later than January 15th of each year. The new penalty increase will apply to any citations issued throughout the remainder of 2018.