As a reminder, OSHA recently approved new regulations—effective January 1, 2017—that will require most employers to submit information regarding workplace injuries electronically for posting on OSHA’s website.  The following link contains a summary of these new requirements:

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3862.pdf

The new regulations also require—effective this Wednesday, August 10, 2016—employers to establish a reasonable procedure for employees to report work-related injuries and illnesses promptly and accurately, and to inform employees of such procedure.  The regulations state a procedure is not reasonable if it would deter or discourage a reasonable employee from accurately reporting a workplace injury.  The regulations also prohibit retaliation against employees who report a work-related injury or illness.  The following link contains an FAQ from OSHA regarding these changes:

https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/finalrule/finalrule_faq.html

In addition, OSHA now contends that blanket post-injury drug testing policies deter proper reporting, in part because some employees feel it is an invasion of privacy.  The commentary went on to state that: