OSHA Recordables
One of the most frequent questions asked in safety: “Is this injury recordable?”
For good reasoning, the definitions can be a bit blurry. Here’s a few tips on properly assessing the status of any injuries that your employees sustain.
Where to start?
Start by asking the right questions:
1) Was the injury work related?
2) Is it a new injury?
3) How should the injury be categorized?
How do you know?
What is a recordable injury or illness per OSHA definition? An injury that is:
work-related fatality
work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job.
work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums.
Special recording criteria for work-related cases involving: needlesticks and sharps injuries, medical removal, hearing loss, and tuberculosis.
First Aid Definition
So, how does OSHA define First Aid? It’s nearly as simple as suggested.
Using hot or cold therapy
When non-prescription medication is used at a nonprescription strength.
Administration of tetanus immunizations (only tetanus immunizations). Flushing, cleaning or soaking wounds on the surface of the skin.
Using coverings such as bandages, gauzepads, or butterfly bandages.
Use of hot or cold therapy
Use of temporary immobilization devices while transporting an accident victim. Devices such as splints, slings, back boards, neck collars, etc.
Use of eye patches.
Using irrigation or a cotton swab to removed foreign bodies from the eye(s).
Removal of splinters or foreign materials from other areas than the eyes, using tools such as tweezers, cotton swabs along with other items and irrigation.
Use of finger guards
Use of massages
Drinking fluids to relieve heat stress.
And, how does OSHA define Severe Injury?
OSHA defines a Severe Injury as an amputation, in-patient hospitalization, or loss of an eye.
How long should OSHA logs and files be kept?
Records must be maintained at the worksite for a minimum of five years. Copies of OSHA 300 and 300A logs must be provided to current and former employees (or their representatives), if requested.
OSHA Severe Injury Reporting
Any employee fatality must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours. Any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization of a worker must be reported within 24 hours.
Don’t stress it!
OSHA laws and reporting can be tricky. Overall, accurate reporting is key to compliance and continuing growth in your safety culture. OSHA reporting allows you to identify gaps in your safety procedures and mitigate those.
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