OSHA will provide training to employers nationwide on its new recordkeeping rule via a satellite broadcast scheduled for 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 12. The broadcast was originally scheduled for Nov. 29.
"Making training available nationwide via satellite is a first for OSHA," said OSHA Administrator John L. Henshaw. "It's part of our extensive outreach program to be sure that all employers have the information they need to meet the new requirements."
Henshaw noted that the agency has placed a wide array of materials on its Web site, including copies of the rule and new forms, fact sheets, a brochure and several PowerPoint training programs. OSHA also plans to mail out new recordkeeping forms in early December to the 1.4 million employers affected by the rule. In late October, Henshaw sent a letter to nearly 200 OSHA stakeholders, trade associations, professional societies and unions detailing OSHA outreach efforts and encouraging them to communicate with their members to help them understand the new rule.
Employers can access the training through community colleges and other local organizations that have facilities to receive satellite broadcasts. OSHA is not charging a fee for the broadcast, although local facilities may charge an access fee.
The training program also will be simulcast on the Internet and made available via a link at the agency's Web site at www.osha-slc.gov/recordkeeping/RKsatellite.html. The broadcast will remain available for review via the agency's web site through June 2002. OSHA's updated injury and illness recordkeeping requirements, covering about 1.4 million employers, take effect Jan. 1, 2002.
Employers can contact their local OSHA offices for details about facilities in their area that will tune in to the Dec. 12 satellite training session. A listing of OSHA offices is available on the web site, along with a list of regional recordkeeping coordinators who can respond to specific questions from employers and workers about the new rule. States operating their own job safety and health programs are developing their own equivalent recordkeeping rules and can respond to questions and provide training and materials.
edited by Sandy Smith ([email protected])