Would You Record This Injury on the OSHA 300?

This is not a reportable injury—assuming that this is the only treatment the worker is getting.

Explanation: Under the OSHA injury reporting and recording regulations (Sec. 1904.7(b)(1)(iv)), workplace injuries and illnesses are recordable if the victim gets medical treatment “beyond first aid.” Bandaging a wound is considered a form of first aid. So, if this is the only treatment the worker receives for the injury, you wouldn’t have to record it on the OSHA 300.

INJURY/ILLNESS RECORDING

What is “First Aid”?

The 15 Kinds of First Aid Treatments

To determine whether an injury/illness is recordable as requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, you need to know what is and is not “first aid” under the OSHA rule. Sec. 1904.7(b)(5) lists 14 specific treatments defined as “first aid.”

These 15 treatments aren’t just examples; they’re the entire list.

Bottom Line: You need not record injuries/illnesses (at least under Sec. 1904.7(b)(1)(iv)) if any of the following is the only treatment a worker receives:

1. Non-Prescription Meds  

Use of a non-prescription medication at nonprescription strength

2. Administration of Tetanus Shots

Other immunizations, such as Hepatitis B vaccine or rabies vaccine, are considered medical treatment, rather than first aid

3. Cleaning, Flushing or Soaking Wounds on the Surface of the Skin

4. Use of Band-Aids™, Gauze Pads, Butterfly Bandages, Etc.

Use of sutures, staples and stitches to close wounds is considered medical treatment rather than first aid

5. Use of Hot or Cold Therapy

6. Use of Non-Rigid Means of Support such as Elastic Bandages, Wraps or Non-Rigid Back Belts

Use of devices with rigid stays or other systems designed to immobilize parts of the body are considered medical treatment not first aid

7. Use of Temporary Immobilizing Devices While Transporting a Victim

For example, splints, slings, neck collars and back boards

8. Drilling Fingernails or Toenails to Relieve Pressure

9. Draining Fluid from a Blister

10. Use of Eye Patches

11. Removing Foreign Bodies from Eyes Using Only Irrigation or Cotton Swabs

12. Removing Splinters or Foreign Material from Areas Other than Eyes by Irrigation, Cotton Swabs or Other Simple Methods

13. Use of Finger Guards

14. Massages

Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment are considered medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes

15. Drinking Fluids to Relieve Heat Stress