2024 OSHA Updates Checklist
Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) introduced a handful of new updates to improve workplace safety and worker protection. We’ve outlined what you can expect for 2024 and moving ahead, to be proactive about safety wherever and however you conduct business.
Continue reading to learn about each new critical OSHA update and how they will impact your work.
1. Injury and Illness Logs Must Be Submitted
Beginning March 2024, businesses with 100+ employees in select high-hazard industries, including manufacturing, and other businesses with 250+ employees must electronically submit the following annual injury and illness logs and reports: 300, 300A and 301.
According to OSHA, the records must be maintained at the worksite for at least five years. Employers must post a summary of the injuries and illnesses recorded the previous year each February through April.
Worker fatalities must be reported within eight hours and any amputation, loss of an eye or hospitalization within 24 hours.
2. Broadened Scope of Workplace Violence
Injuries and violence were considered “workplace” if they occurred on a job site. That definition changed to be dependent on whether the conditions involved were “occupational” – no longer limiting the location to a job site.
OSHA suggests that the best protection employers can offer their workers is establishing a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence. This policy should cover every person who may encounter company personnel.
Learn about risk factors, prevention programs, enforcement and training resources around workplace violence on OSHA’s website.
3. Potential New Heat Hazard Rule
As the leading cause of death from weather, heat has become a top concern for OSHA. So, their newly proposed rule to address heat injury and illness prevention in outdoor and indoor workplaces comes as no surprise.
The goal of a new heat-specific workplace standard would be to prevent and reduce the number of occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities caused by hazardous heat exposure. For a comprehensive understanding, read the details of OSHA’s proposed rule and public comments here.
4. National Emphasis Problem to Reduce Hazards
OSHA is aiming to reduce hazards by increasing inspections for compliance with existing standards across several businesses, including warehouses, processing facilities distribution centers and high-risk retail establishments.
They will have a renewed focus during the 3-year program on these hazards: powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress and fire protection and heat and ergonomic hazards.
Read more in OSHA’s official release on the subject.
5. Severe Violator Enforcement Problem
OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program is now more severe for businesses demonstrating compliance indifferences. By expanding program criteria, the agency aims to strengthen enforcement and improve compliance.
Major changes include the following: program placement for employers with at least two or repeated willful violations, follow-up inspections and program removal requirements. Learn more about the program on OSHA’s website.