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OSHA Recordable

Last updated: October 7, 2018

What Does OSHA Recordable Mean?

OSHA recordable incidents are work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities that must be recorded by employers according to OSHA standardized guidelines. Injuries are considered by the OSHA to be work-related when an event or exposure in the work environment causes or contributes to the condition. This includes events or exposures that aggravate pre-existing injuries or illnesses.

Injuries and illnesses that are OSHA recordable are those that cause fatalities, unconsciousness, loss of workdays, restricted work activities, job transfers, or medical care beyond first aid. Illnesses associated with workplace exposures, such as some cancers, must also be recorded.

Cases that are OSHA recordable must be recorded on an OSHA-standardized Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300). Employers must also provide an annual summary of injuries (OSHA Form 300A) that must be posted in a visible location in the workplace. Employers with fewer than 10 employees or who belong to certain low-hazard industries may be exempt from OSHA recording guidelines.

Safeopedia Explains OSHA Recordable

The OSHA standard governing recordable incidents is standard 29 CFR Part 1904. Individual states or territories that have separate OSHA-approved occupational health and safety requirements may have additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements beyond those described in the OSHA standard.

The OSHA’s recording standards mandate that severe injuries and illnesses must be reported directly to the OSHA in addition to being recorded by the employer. For instance, all work-related deaths must be reported to the OSHA within an eight-hour period, and all in-patient hospitalizations and amputations must be reported within a 24-hour period. These reports must be made directly either by telephone or by using a dedicated online form. All other recordable injuries or illnesses must be recorded on applicable OSHA 300 forms and held for five years.

Injuries and illnesses that are considered recordable include instances that require surgery, prescription medication, casts, or stitches. Untreatable conditions such as certain fractures, measurable hearing loss, and chronic disability are also recordable. Injuries and illnesses that only require first aid are not considered to be OSHA recordable injuries. First aid includes treatments such as tetanus vaccinations (but not other vaccinations), the application of bandages, elastic support wraps, and massage (but not physical therapy).

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