Here’s a quick guide to help you determine when and how an injury or illness must be recorded on an OSHA 300 Log. Find the details regarding who must comply and recording requirements at this link.
Is there an injury or lllness? You may refer an employee to a medical provider, if you are unsure as to whether or not the employee is actually injured or experiencing an illness.
Is it work-related? Was it reported while the person was at work? If the employee reports the injury after a week-end off and states it happened during the previous week, it may not be work-related.
Is the injury/illness itself recordable? Death, hospitalization, lost work day or restrictions on work activities make the case recordable. Any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums.
Stitches and prescription medications also make the case recordable. Most first aid steps will not make a case recordable. Diagnostic tests do not make a case recordable if the results do not lead to the occurrence noted above.
Is it a new case? If it is a first time injury or a re-injury after an employee has completely healed from an injury, it is a new case. Otherwise, it is treated as a continuation of the previous injury.
How do I decide what category to Use on the Log? Select the worst of two options. For example if the employee lost work days and returned with restrictions, check the “Days Away from Work” column.
How do I figure how many days to record? Use calendar days starting with the day after the injury until the employee’s status changes.
If you are unsure about a case, send us an email or give us a call and we will be happy to help.
Discussion: What is the most challenging part you face when recording OSHA injuries and illnesses?
