The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an outreach effort to assist the 1.4 million employers required to meet the updated injury and illness recordkeeping rule, which takes effect Jan 1, 2002.
OSHA Administrator John L Henshaw sent a letter to nearly 200 OSHA stakeholders, trade associations, professional societies, and unions detailing outreach efforts including materials available on the web and training sessions planned across the United States. In addition, the letter encourages all stakeholders to communicate with their members and help them understand the new rule. He noted the agency's plans to mail out new recordkeeping forms in early December to 1.4 million employers affected by the rule.
Materials available on the recordkeeping web page at www.osha.gov include a brochure to help employers determine if they are covered by the rule, several fact sheets, PowerPoint training programs, and downloadable copies of the recordkeeping forms with instructions for completing them. Other materials planned for the web include frequently asked questions, an interactive E-tool to guide employers, and a compliance directive to provide guidance to OSHA inspectors. Printed materials also will be available by phoning 202-693-1888.
The web site lists regional recordkeeping coordinators who can respond to specific questions from employers and workers about the new rule and can train specific stakeholders at the local level. In addition, states operating their own job safety and health programs are developing their own equivalent recordkeeping rules and can respond to questions and provide training and materials.