New bill would change recording requirements for site-controlling employers

Washington – Newly introduced legislation would mandate site-controlling employers to record all worker injuries and illnesses, regardless of who employs the worker.

Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) on Jan. 6 introduced the Worksite Reporting Act (H.R. 128), one of the first occupational safety and health bills of the 114th Congress.

Currently, employers have to record injuries and illnesses only for workers they directly employ. This means employers in control of a worksite, such as a construction project, do not have to record injuries suffered by workers technically employed by contractors, subcontractors, or temporary help or employee leasing services.

The bill would direct OSHA to amend its recording and reporting regulations to require employers with primary control over a worksite to maintain a log of injuries and illnesses suffered by all workers at the location.