Question: We’re going back through our records to compile our recordable injuries for our year-end OSHA 300 Log. It’s hard to find everything and we’re never quite sure what to include. Help!
Answer: An OSHA recordable incident is a work-related injury or illness that results in death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional. An injury might be nonrecordable at first, and turn into a recordable injury later based on follow-up treatment.
Rather than waiting to record everything at the end of the year, you should be maintaining your log on an ongoing basis. In fact, you are required to make an initial determination on recordability within 7 days of notification of the injury. Documenting injuries as you go will help you to accurately track safety risks and trends. Paying attention to what you’re recording allows you to spot patterns of recurring hazards, unsafe behaviors, or equipment issues. When you spot patterns, you can take steps to prevent further repeated incidents.
Equally as important, injury data builds trust with employees by showing that your organization takes safety seriously and is committed to improving working conditions. In the long run, proper OSHA record-keeping supports a safer, more transparent, and accountable workplace.
Information about OSHA’s recordability criteria, including commonly asked questions, can be found in the federal regulations at 29 CFR 1904.7 (General Recording Criteria). In addition, the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) created a 5 Step Process for Determining Recordability flow chart that mirrors federal requirements and may even be useful for non-Washington employers. Finally, the instructions on the OSHA 300 Log itself provide helpful guidance.
Examples of common recordable injuries include any of the following:
- Laceration requiring stitches
- Sprained ankle requiring prescription medication
- Fractured finger
- Chemical burns requiring medical treatment beyond simple flushing
- Back strain resulting in restricted duty or days away from work
- Hearing shift confirmed by an audiogram (Standard Threshold Shift)
- Cut becoming infected and needing antibiotics
- Foreign object in the eye requiring medical removal (not just flushing)
- Work-related illnesses, such as diagnosed heat exhaustion requiring intravenous fluids
When determining OSHA recordability, always compare the treatment provided to OSHA’s official definition of first aid versus medical treatment. If the care goes beyond first aid, such as prescribing medication, suturing a wound, or imposing work restrictions, the case is likely recordable. If the injury is recordable, or becomes recordable, document it right away.
When in doubt, consult the OSHA regulations on general recording criteria or if you are a Vigilant member, contact your Vigilant safety professional to ensure consistent and accurate recordkeeping.
