Is This Injury OSHA Recordable?
Walk through the official decision tree from 29 CFR 1904 and get a clear answer in under 60 seconds — no account required.
Recordability Decision Tree
How the OSHA Recordability Test Works
Under OSHA’s recordkeeping standard (29 CFR Part 1904), most employers with more than ten employees must maintain a log of work-related injuries and illnesses. But not every workplace incident qualifies — OSHA uses a specific decision tree to determine if a case is “recordable.”
The test checks five criteria in order: whether the case is work-related, whether it’s a new case, and whether it resulted in death, days away from work, restricted duty or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant diagnosis. If any of those triggers are met, the case must be logged on your OSHA 300 form within seven calendar days.
What Counts as “First Aid” vs. Medical Treatment?
One of the most common points of confusion is the line between first aid and medical treatment. OSHA provides an exhaustive list of first-aid treatments in 29 CFR 1904.7(a) — anything not on that list is considered medical treatment and makes the case recordable. First aid includes items like non-prescription medications at non-prescription strength, wound cleaning, bandages, hot/cold therapy, and temporary splints for transport.
Prescription medications, sutures (stitches), physical therapy, and surgical procedures all cross the threshold into medical treatment.
Why Accurate Recordkeeping Matters
OSHA can issue citations up to $16,550 per violation for recordkeeping failures — and willful violations can reach $165,514. Beyond fines, your OSHA 300 log feeds directly into your DART and TRIR rates, which affect your Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for workers’ compensation insurance. Accurate records protect your business financially while helping you spot workplace hazards before they become patterns.