Rather, the only information available to them would be direct observation of the hazards that happened to be present on the day of the consultation visit. In addition, it is possible for OSHA to recognize Voluntary Protection Program employers as exemplary because records enable the agency to measure the level of safety and health at one establishment compared with the level at another or with the experience of the industry as a whole. In addition, the records are source data for the BLS Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. This survey compiles national statistics on the numbers and rates of occupational injuries and illnesses for the private sector and individual industries. Use to Employers and Employees OSHA is not the only party that depends on these statistics.
Employers use the information to manage workplace safety and health programs.
The records provide a database that can be analyzed to discover patterns of injury and illness in an individual workplace, or for an entire company. After the employer has taken corrective measures, the records can be used as a management tool to track progress in reducing the number of injuries and illnesses. Workers use the information to participate in workplace safety and health efforts. Employees who receive information on workplace injuries and illnesses will be more aware of hazards in their work environment, and are more likely to follow safe work practices and report workplace hazards. The goals of the New OSHA depend in large part on improving recordkeeping.