Late last month, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a proposed delay for implementation of its new injury and illness reporting requirements until December 1. The rule originally was intended to take effect July 1. It would require employers to electronically submit injury and illness reports, and allow public access to such reports.

The OSHA announcement of the proposed delay stated that the additional time will be used “for the purpose of additional review into questions of law and policy.” This indicates that the Trump administration may be considering revisions to the rules, which were opposed by business interests. The rules have also been prevented from taking effect through a lawsuit filed in federal court in Oklahoma. DOL has also asked that court to suspend additional proceedings in the lawsuit until it can complete its review of the recordkeeping rules. After this review is complete, OSHA may amend, withdraw or seek implementation of the current rules as written