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New Workers Comp Reporting Requirements in Effect January 2015

Due to the frequent updates, policy changes and other proposals made by the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), it’s imperative for workers compensation professionals like Brooklyn’s own Dr. Mollins and the entire office staff of Dr. Jeff Mollins, D.C. to stay apprised of any modifications in Dept. of Labor policies in order to best serve patients seeking treatment through workers compensation, especially during the busy holiday season when people are distracted by festivities.

Come January 2015, new reporting requirements for workplace injuries will be in effect. Earlier this fall, OSHA announced changes applying to the workplaces that must follow federal OSHA requirements.

As of now, the regulations have not changed for workers who become injured on the job or who contract a work-related illness. In order for your workers compensation claim to go as smoothly as possible, make sure you file for workers compensation benefits as soon as possible following the injury/illness and make sure to seek out a local Brooklyn workers compensation-approved medical professional, such as Dr. Mollins.

What are the specific changes OSHA will put into practice starting January 2015?

Though there are definite changes in the form of updates, the approved amendment is an expansion of the existing record-keeping rule that workplaces must follow when reporting workplace injuries. The list of serious injuries and illnesses that employers under OSHA jurisdiction must report has been expanded to include the following:

  • An 8-hour deadline for reporting all work-related fatalities.
  • Work-related hospitalizations, amputations and losses of an eye within 24 hours.
  • The difference between existing employer reporting regulations and the ones to come January 2015:

    Currently OSHA regulations do not require any reporting of individual hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of eyes, and employers are only required to report work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations when three or more employees are involved.

    Contact a Brooklyn Workers Compensation Doctor

    It’s important for medical professionals and workers alike to stay informed of any changes in workers compensation reporting regulations. Our Brooklyn office staff keeps current with all workers comp changes and regulations.

    Remember to seek medical attention immediately after you are involved in a workplace accident, are injured on the job, or believe you have contracted a workplace illness. This applies even if you do not feel as if you have seriously been injured.

    A doctor’s report immediately following your injury is the important first step in your successful claim for compensation benefits. Call 1-718-802-0800 to speak with someone from Dr. Mollins’ Brooklyn office for more information.

    Posted in: Blog, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation