OSHA recordability decision tree

Not every injury is recordable. Misclassification leads to inflated DART/TRIR rates, failed audits, or — in the other direction — missed filings and citations. The QEHS workflow guards force a reviewer to work through 29 CFR 1904.7 before closing a case.

1. Is the person an employee? If no → not recordable.
2. Was the injury work-related (1904.5)? If no → not recordable.
3. Is it a new case (1904.6)? If the person recovered and returned to full duty and a new event caused the current condition, yes. If it is a recurrence, treat as the original case.
4. Does it meet any general recording criterion (1904.7): death, days away, restricted work or transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, significant injury/illness diagnosed by PLHCP, or a specific criterion (needlestick, MSD, TB, etc.)? If yes → recordable.
5. If recordable, classify into 300 column G–J and populate days away / restricted / job-transferred.

• Non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength.
• Tetanus immunisations (but not other immunisations).
• Wound cleaning, dressing, bandaids, gauze pads.
• Hot/cold therapy.
• Elastic bandages, non-rigid supports.
• Temporary immobilisation while transporting.
• Drilling a fingernail/toenail to relieve pressure, or draining blisters.
• Eye patches and removing foreign bodies from the eye by irrigation.
• Finger guards.
• Drinking fluids for heat stress.