New OSHA recordkeeping requirements take effect Jan. 1

OSHA has tightened the rules on reporting in-patient hospitalizations resulting from work-related injuries.

As of Jan. 1, employers must notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours, and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations or losses of an eye within 24 hours. Under current rules, employers are required to report only work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations of three or more employees.

OSHA has also updated the list of industry categories partially exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements. (They will not, however, be exempt from the notification requirements described above.)