New rules for how employers keep track of work-related injuries and illnesses go into effect January 1, 2002. OSHA issued the long-awaited update of recordkeeping practices on January 19, 2001.

About 1.3 million workplaces will be required to follow the new recordkeeping procedures. Employers with 10 or fewer employees will continue to be exempt from most requirements, as will a number of industries classified as low-hazard sectors. (All employers covered by OSHA must continue to report any workplace incident resulting in a fatality or the hospitalization of three or more employees.)