OSHA revises recordkeeping NEP

The scope and parameters for OSHA's injury and illness recordkeeping National Emphasis Program have changed.

Effective Sept. 28, OSHA's changes (.pdf file) to the NEP include:

• The program will focus on manufacturing industries listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having the highest 2007 and 2008 incidence rates of nonfatal occupational injury and illness cases with days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer.
• The injury and illness criterion has changed from a DART rate of 4.2 or less to those with rates between 4.2 and 8. This allows OSHA to target establishments that are below the threshold of the agency's 2010 Site-Specific Targeting Program (.pdf file).
• The period of records review has changed to focus on those in 2008 and 2009, instead of those in 2007.

The original NEP (.pdf file) launched Sept. 30, 2009. The program was prompted by studies asserting workplace injury and illness underreporting, and a congressional request that the Government Accountability Office look into the issue. GAO's report (.pdf file) found the data may be inaccurate due to fear and intimidation among workers, employers and health care practitioners.