New Tool Shares Info on Workplace Injuries: 8 Data Points

If you haven’t heard, the feds just released a new online tool that allows users to search its database and view trends on workplace injuries occurring in states covered by federal OSHA.

At first glance, this might sound like a niche tool designed exclusively for safety professionals to, among other things, help them spot potential hazards and create a sense of urgency in their safety culture.

But on closer inspection, there’s more to this new tool than meets the eye – and not necessarily in a good way for employers. So it should be on HR’s radar, too. Here’s what you need to know:  

What Is the SIR Database?

The new tool – OSHA’s Severe Injury Report (SIR) database – includes info on all severe workplace injuries reported by employers covered under federal OSHA since 2015.

Under an OSHA reg, employers must report workplace fatalities and all severe workplace injuries. The agency defines a severe work-related injury as “an amputation, in-patient hospitalization, or loss of an eye.” 

Workplace fatalities and severe workplace injuries must be reported within eight hours and 24 hours, respectively. These reporting requirements began on Jan. 1, 2015. 

After receiving a report, OSHA may conduct a formal investigation or ask for more info, depending on the circumstances.

Since 2015, the feds have been collecting all this data on workplace injuries. But it wasn’t put together in an organized format and made available to the public in a meaningful format — until now.

The Data on Workplace Injuries

Fast-forward nine years. In our data-driven world, any collection of organized information can be very valuable — and this SIR database is no exception.

So what exactly can users learn about severe workplace injuries?

They can search, filter and download the data in the SIR database by eight specific data points: 

1. Year
2. Industry
3. State 
4. Employer name
5. Event or exposure
6. Source of the injury
7. Nature of the injury, and 
8. Body part that was injured.

OSHA has even created a how-to video to show users all the bells and whistles and provide advice on navigating the various features to find the info they’re interested in.

Currently, data included in the SIR database is from the beginning of 2015 through the end of 2023. But OSHA says the data will be updated periodically. 

Importantly, the data represents incidents under federal OSHA jurisdiction only and does not include incidents under state plan jurisdictions.

OSHA said it hopes “providing this dashboard will encourage workers and employers to explore these data, learn about how severe injuries happen in their industry and use OSHA’s resources” to help prevent workplace injuries at their company. 

Takeaways for HR: More to It Than You Think

In all likelihood, the SIR database will primarily be used by safety supervisors and other risk assessment professionals aiming to improve workplace safety and reduce workplace injuries. But that’s just on the surface. What else should you consider?

1. Legal considerations

HR – and other company leaders in the C-suite – should also realize that employee-side attorneys are probably going make use of this database “in an attempt to establish a pattern or practice of negligence or to demonstrate a particular employer’s injury rate is statistically higher than others in the same industry/region or similar purposes,” according to employment attorney John S. Ho, who exclusively represents employers in a variety of labor and employment matters, including health and safety matters under OSHA and analogous state law plans.

2. Recruiting and brand considerations

It’s also plausible that the SIR database could impact your recruiting efforts and employer branding strategy. How so?

Some savvy job candidates – especially those seeking employment in safety-sensitive positions – might use the database to research your company to get an idea of how well your organization prioritizes a safety-first culture to mitigate the risk of workplace injuries.

If a candidate’s research uncovers a history of severe workplace injuries at your company, that could hinder your efforts to attract top talent.

Plus, if current employees have doubts about the company’s safety procedures, they might use the SIR database to investigate their concerns. If their research validates their concerns, that could undermine your employer branding strategy.