OSHA to respond quickly to GAO report that some companies try to avoid reporting accidents

If there were any doubt that OSHA meant business when it said it was stepping up enforcement of recordkeeping rules, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis dispelled it with her reaction to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.

The GAO said this week that OSHA shouldn’t rely solely on employer data on accidents because there is evidence some companies pressure workers not to report injuries or illnesses. The GAO said that about a third of health providers it surveyed said they have been pressured to withhold medical treatment so a company could avoid filing an injury or illness report.

Solis said she would respond quickly to address issues raised by the report. Earlier this year, OSHA announced a one-year program to increase enforcement of recordkeeping requirements in industries with traditionally high accident rates.

If you have a question about how to handle recordkeeping, I would be happy to provide an answer at no charge. Call me at (513) 317-5644.