The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Wednesday suspended a recent rule change requiring companies to electronically report their injury and illness records. The rule, which took effect at the beginning of 2017, had obligated covered employers to send in their summary data electronically no later than July 1.

OSHA further indicated it intended to publicly disclose certain data on its website in an effort to keep jobseekers, researchers and customers informed, and to encourage workplace safety. Industry advocates have lobbied against the public disclosure aspect of the rule change.

OSHA’s announcement Wednesday postpones the July 1 electronic submission date, and the OSHA website notes that “OSHA is not accepting electronic submissions at this time.” Media reports indicate that OSHA delayed the rule to address employers’ concerns about meeting their reporting obligations in time. Barley Snyder’s Employment Law Practice Group will continue to monitor developments in this area.

If you have any questions about the rule delay or how it could affect your business, please reach out to anyone in the group.