In January 2001 (66FR 5916-6135) OSHA published revisions to its rule on Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (29CFR 1904 and 1952, commonly known as the Recordkeeping Rule) to take effect January 1, 2002. With it OSHA is attempting to collect better information about the incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses, improve employee awareness and involvement, simplify the recordkeeping system for employers, and permit the increased use of computers and other electronic data capture methods.
The revised rule has eliminated much of the confusion of recording occupational injuries and illnesses and is seen by many employers as a positive step in OSHA's desire to couple compliance assistance with traditional enforcement.