Effective December 2024, the general public was granted unprecedented access to more than 91,000 severe injury reports filed in the United States over the past 10 years through OSHA’s new Injury Tracking Application dashboard. What’s more, those reports are in great detail and searchable by company name. Among the included are a description of the incident, objects or substances involved, name of the employer, and the name and address of the establishment where it happened.
For businesses, this newfound visibility means that health and safety records will no longer remain internal matters. Instead, they’ll become measurable benchmarks of accountability, accessible to the public, regulators, stakeholders, investors, and even potential hires. Companies excelling in safety practices will stand out as industry leaders, while those with poor records will undoubtedly face heightened scrutiny. The world of workers’ compensation is changing in 2025, it is being influenced by shifting demographics, rising medical costs, and evolving legal standards.
Publication of this data is a milestone in our efforts to make data on workplace injuries and illnesses more transparent,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker in a December 2024 press release. “This information is an unprecedented tool for researchers, public health officials, businesses and workers to understand the nature of workplace injuries and illnesses in this country, whether they are looking at national trends, or the factory where they work every day.”
Users are able to search by establishment name, NAICS code, affected body part, nature of the incident (amputation, burn, fracture, etc.), the source of the injury (ladders, handrails, client, etc.), and more, in great detail.
This newfound visibility raises additional concerns for companies in the crosshairs. For example, unions and plaintiffs’ lawyers will have access to detailed injury and illness data, potentially fueling litigation. Furthermore, businesses with significant or repeated injuries and illnesses may become targets for OSHA inspections and citations
In 2025, transparency is more than a buzzword—it’s a consumer expectation. As health and safety metrics become public knowledge, stakeholders are increasingly favoring companies that prioritize employee well-being and ethical practices. This publicly accessible data has the potential to influence:
● Purchasing decisions: Consumers are more likely to support companies with strong safety records.
● Employee retention: Workers are drawn to employers that value their safety.
● Brand reputation: Companies with transparent, proactive safety measures will be viewed as trustworthy leaders in their fields.
Ultimately, businesses that embrace transparency can build stronger relationships with their stakeholders while driving long-term success.
With public data becoming increasingly transparent, larger companies are under more scrutiny than ever. A single workplace accident can quickly go viral on social media, making it essential for businesses to adapt their practices—not just to remain competitive, but to proactively manage potential crises. Assume that you and your company will face public scrutiny on how workplace injuries are handled—because failure to plan is planning to fail.
Here are practical steps to get started:
1. Conduct Internal Health and Safety Audits: Regularly review workplace conditions, policies, and procedures to identify and address potential risks before they become public knowledge.
2. Leverage Data Analytics: Use advanced tools to monitor and analyze health and safety metrics. Identify trends and areas for improvement to stay ahead of potential issues.
3. Communicate Clearly: Transparency isn’t just about sharing data—it’s about telling the story behind the numbers. Be proactive in reporting your efforts to improve safety and highlight your commitment to employee well-being.
What sets industry leaders apart in this new era of transparency? OSHA’s got a few thoughts on that! Companies excelling in health and safety often share common traits, including:
● Innovative Practices: Investing in advanced technology and proactive safety measures.
● Robust Emergency Preparedness Plan: From industry- and site-specific measures to everyday emergencies, companies that recognize safety saves lives achieve the highest levels of recognition from OSHA.
● Employee Training: Offering comprehensive programs to ensure safety protocols are understood and followed. These usually include cross-training across departments.
● Culture Building: Creating an environment where safety is a shared responsibility and priority.
One example of a market leader identified in a 2023 case study in which an employee at a manufacturing company in Wisconsin suffered a heart attack, hit the ground and broke his nose. The company had been utilizing OSHA’s no-cost On-Site Consultation Program for three years at the time of the incident; as such, they sprang into action. When CPR failed, the company’s designated first-aid responders were able to resuscitate the man using their onsite Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Additionally, a large amount of blood was left at the scene. The company had a blood borne pathogens control plan already in place, which outlined emergency response and spill cleanup procedures with an onsite BBP disinfectant, and also included a preventative Hepatitis B vaccination series. The employee who suffered the heart attack said after these events, “It scares me to think of what might have happened to me or anyone else if our team was any less prepared or adequately supplied.”
As 2025 ushers in an era of public data transparency, businesses have an unprecedented opportunity to stand out as leaders in health and safety. By prioritizing accountability, leveraging data analytics, and fostering a culture of safety, companies can meet the rising expectations of consumers, employees, and stakeholders.
Now is the time to act. Don’t wait for public scrutiny to force change—proactively enhance your health and safety practices to build trust, protect your workforce, and secure a competitive edge.
Ready to take the next step? Contact OptiCare Connect to explore cutting-edge solutions that can help your business thrive in this new landscape.
