New federal mandates set to take effect Jan. 1 will likely increase the number of severe workplace injuries and illnesses reported by employers, and the impact will be felt by some area businesses and industries previously exempt from maintaining logs about on-the-job accidents. The rule changes, implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, could also increase workplace inspections and fines or citations, according to local business leaders. “It could be problematic for a lot of businesses that might have been exempt before but are no longer,” said Tim Evans, vice president of economic development at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.