November 30, 2001
New requirements effective Jan. 1, 2002
L&I offers options for employers to learn reporting requirements
TUMWATER - The Department of Labor & Industries will offer a number of opportunities for employers to learn about new occupational injury and illness recordkeeping requirements that take effect Jan. 1, 2002.
Because of changes made by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most Washington employers will be required to adhere to a new reporting system for recording injuries and illnesses that occur to their employees.
Specifically, OSHA has replaced a 30-year-old series of forms used to record workplace injuries and illnesses. The new forms give employers added flexibility for maintaining injury and illness records while providing more detailed information about how injuries and illness occur.
To assist employers, L&I will offer a number of options - including workshops, Internet websites and other resources - where employers can seek information and instructions for obtaining and maintaining the new forms.
The agency will conduct a statewide series of no-fee workshops to help employers understand and comply with the new reporting requirements.
Workshops currently are being scheduled in:
| Bellingham | Port Angeles | Tumwater |
| Bremerton | Spokane | Vancouver |
| Everett | Tacoma | Yakima |
| Mt. Vernon | Tukwila |
Interested employers can register for the workshop in their community by contacting:
Telephone: 1-800-574-2829 (Olympia 902-5590)Wendy Palms
E-mail: workshopsched@lni.wa.gov
The agency also will conduct workshops in other communities if there is sufficient interest by employers.
In addition, information about the reporting requirements and new forms may be obtained online by accessing the agency's website at:
/wisha/regs/OSHA300-October2001Update.htm
www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/regs/osha300.htm
Also, OSHA has established a website with recordkeeping information at:
