EMPLOYMENT LAW: OSHA Targets Industries with High Rate of Workplace Accidents

January 25, 2010

Washington - The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it will impose stricter investigation among employers from industries with a high rate of accidents after several studies suggested that thousands of workplace accidents were not reported by employers.

In a press release, OSHA said it will “assess the accuracy of workplace injuries and illnesses recorded by employers” to “further improve the safety” and to “address hazardous conditions.”

The federal agency said it will target industries which have higher workplace injuries including construction, equipment manufacturing, nursing homes and facilities, poultry processing, seafood canning, cargo handling, warehouse and storage, animal slaughtering, and couriers.

OSHA officials also said that companies that employ more than 40 workers will be the focused of the “stricter regulation”.

Under federal law, employers are required to report accidents and injuries to the US Department of Labor especially if these result to death and long-term disability.

However, recent studies suggested thousands of employers, especially those who employed low-paid workers, have the tendency to harass and intimidate employees who report workplace accidents and hazards to the labor department, or file worker’s compensation after sustaining work-related injuries.