OSHA has developed an expert system for injury and illness recordkeeping. The system can be accessed through the Department of Labor web site (
www.dol.gov) by clicking on the “elaws” heading on the left side of the web page and then clicking on the “New OSHA Recordkeeping Advisor.”
The tool was designed to help smaller sites with less sophisticated programs comply with the OSHA recordkeeping requirements. It outlines the step-by-step considerations for determining who is an “employee” for OSHA recordkeeping purposes; what cases are considered work related; and which cases meet one of the OSHA severity thresholds.
Basic categories are provided (e.g., “medical treatment”) with short examples that explain the core concepts. However, the software does not address some of the more sophisticated questions routinely asked by Mercer ORC Networks members.
We encourage members to access the tool and take it for a “test drive.” While it is not likely to resolve many of your recordkeeping issues, it may prove useful in small site implementation and in reducing questions you receive on the basics.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact Steve Newell at
steve.newell@mercer.com.
