Have you ever been curious about workplace incidents? OSHA recently publicized details on the nearly 900,000 reported workplace injuries and illnesses recorded in 2023, which could possibly result in increased scrutiny toward employers from OSHA and the public alike.
The OSHA Report
With this data published, all the detailed information is available for the public to read. The data includes employer names, locations, injury and illness descriptions, incident events, etc.
The release of this once-private information comes when there is much scrutiny surrounding workplace safety and accurate recordkeeping. OSHA’s publication of incident details is expected to increase transparency and amplify public awareness of workplace safety records. Organizations with poor safety performance may encounter more than just regulatory oversight; they also risk damage to their reputation among employees, customers, and others. Additionally, unions seeking to establish a presence within your company may view such records as an opportunity to advance their efforts.
This matters because there is a growing push for transparency, accountability, and compliance nationwide.
What Should Employers Do?
Although the release of OSHA information can cause worry and potentially make employers targets of unions and the media, employers should not panic. Instead, they should be prepared to answer questions and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Also, employers should take this time to review all recordkeeping practices since OSHA has been increasingly focused on recordkeeping compliance. Reviewing all injury and illness records to identify trends or recurring reports will also be important. To prevent potential scandals or issues in the future, employers must be proactive in addressing workplace hazards and strengthen workplace safety programs. And remember, communication is key—this will benefit ongoing safety efforts and create a greater culture of accountability.