OSHA extends comment period for proposed rule clarifying employers' continuing obligation to make and maintain accurate records of injuries, illnesses

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has extended the deadline for submitting comments on the proposed rule that clarifies an employer's continuing obligation to make and maintain an accurate record of each recordable injury and illness. The new comment due date is Oct. 28.

According to OSHA, this proposed rule was issued in light of the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in AKM LLC v. Secretary of Labor (Volks) to clarify its position that the duty to record an injury or illness continues for as long as the employer must keep records of the recordable injury or illness. OSHA says the proposed amendments add no new compliance obligations; the proposal would not require employers to make records of any injuries or illnesses for which records are not already required.