Have you ever wondered if an injury is recordable on your OSHA 300 log?  If so, I recommend that you go straight to the OSHA website (www.OSHA.gov, Section 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)).

Some injuries resulting in first aid care are not recordable. But what is considered first aid?  OSHA has developed a list of fourteen first aid treatments that are not recordable on the OSHA 300 log. The complete list from the OSHA website is as follows:

1. Using a nonprescription medication at nonprescription strength.
2. Administering tetanus immunizations.
3. Cleaning, flushing, or soaking wounds on the surface of the skin.
4. Using wound coverages such as bandages, Band-Aids, gauze pads, etc... or using butterfly bandages or Steristrips.
5. Using hot or cold therapy.
6. Using any non-rigid means of support, such as elastic bandages, wraps, or non-rigid back belts.
7. Using temporary immobilization devices while transporting an accident victim.
8. Drilling of a fingernail or toenail to relieve pressure or draining fluid from a blister.
9. Using eye patches.
10. Removing foreign bodies from the eye using only irrigation or a cotton swab.
11. Removing splinters or foreign material from areas other than the eye by irrigation, tweezers, cotton swabs or other simple means.
12. Using finger guards.
13. Using massages.
14. Drinking fluids for relief of heat stress.

OSHA states “this list is comprehensive, i.e. any treatment not included on this list is not considered first aid for OSHA recordkeeping purposes.”  This OSHA information regarding first aid and recordability should help you answer the question “Is it first aid or is it medical care?”

Posted by Donna Clendenning