OSHA delays deadline for anti-retaliation provisions in recordkeeping rule

Washington – OSHA is pushing back the deadline for employers to comply with anti-retaliation provisions in its recently released recordkeeping rule.

The initial date for enforcement of the provisions in Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses has been delayed to Nov. 1 from its original deadline of Aug. 10. The delay is intended to allow more time for OSHA to lead outreach efforts and offer additional guidance to employers who have questions about the rule.

The recordkeeping rule will require the following anti-retaliation actions:

• Employers must inform workers about their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without the threat of retaliation.
• Employers must implement reasonable procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses that do not discourage workers from speaking up.
• Employers must incorporate existing anti-retaliation rules into their practices.

On July 8, eight industry groups filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, seeking to block the final rule. The complaint asserts that OSHA does not have the authority to enforce the rule.