2017 OSHA Reporting Deadline Approaching

This year’s deadline for submitting your 2017 OSHA reports is July 1, 2018. For the first time, all submissions must be made online via OSHA’s website.

If you are an employer in a ‘high risk industry’ (like construction) and employ anywhere between 20 and 249 employees, you must submit your OSHA 300A forms online before next month’s deadline. A list of ‘high risk industry’ employers can be found here. If you employ more than 250 employees, regardless of whether or not you are a ‘high risk industry’ employer, you are required to submit your OSHA 300, 300A and 301 forms online before next month’s deadline.

There are three different ways that you can upload your forms:

• Visit OSHA’s website and manually enter the data into the provided webform
• Upload a CSV file that has all of the necessary information
• Employers who utilize automated record keeping systems can transmit data electronically using an API (application programming interface)

The new submission policy does not require employers to change the way they currently keep their records – all recording policies remain the same. The only new requirement is that some of these records must be submitted electronically before July 1, 2018.

As you look forward to next year, be aware that the deadline to submit your 2018 OSHA records will be March 2, 2019 – learn the new system now, so that you are well prepared for next year’s fast-approaching deadline.

Special thanks to Cotney Construction Law (CCL) for contributing this important information.  CCL is a construction law firm that provides national representation for roofing contractors with a proven track record of saving roofing contractors time, money and stress especially concerning OSHA.  For more information visit www.cotneycl.com.

Author’s note: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.