New innovations in computer technology have made possible improvements in how paper trail requirements are handled, potentially relieving safety and hygiene professionals of the burdensome tracking and storing of documentation for mandatory training records.
In an April 10, 2000 OSHA letter of interpretation, OSHA was asked if they would accept electronic signatures in lieu of hard copy signatures for mandatory OSHA-required training records.
OSHA’s response indicated that training standards generally require the employer and trainers to sign a certification record which includes the identity of the person(s) trained. Signatures of the employees are not required. If, every time the person signs, his or her signature will be electronically stored, then OSHA would have no objection to the use of an electronic signature pad to satisfy the certification requirements.
