Earlier this month, OSHA published its new electronic recordkeeping rule, which will require employers with 100 or more employees in certain industries, including construction, to submit information from the agency’s Forms 300 and 301 once per year.
In addition, OSHA retained the requirement for employers with 250 or more employees to electronically submit information from Form 300A once per year. Employers with 20 to 249 employees in certain designated industries will continue to be required to electronically submit information from Form 300A once per year.
Associated Builders and Contractors came out in opposition to the new rule, citing privacy concerns. The new rule will post data gathered via the forms on a public website, though the agency says identifying information like employee names and contact information will be removed.
While ABC is opposed, Construction Dive readers were not especially worried about the new rule. Respondents to an online survey last week were split on whether or not they have addressed it with their teams, but said that the ruling wasn’t an urgent issue.
Some readers said that the new rule was fine, or inconsequential.
“We have to submit every year already, so I don’t understand why other companies are upset about having to do it,” said one reader, Toby Stowe of Kansas City.
“Anything to keep people safer and more accountable,” said Carrie from Wichita, Kansas.
John Tuisl, vice president of risk management at Chicago-based builder McHugh Construction, was frank about the effect, or rather, the lack of effect, the rule would have on his company’s business.
“The rule does not really change any reporting requirements for McHugh Construction. There may be some more required information, but the overall impact is negligible,” Tuisl said. The company employs between 51-100 people, per the survey.
Some readers, however, were concerned about the new rule as an example of OSHA’s regulatory power.
“Accountability is an effective tool in regard to certain aspects; is OSHA overreaching?” said Cynthia McGraw of Virginia.
The new rule goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.