The Recording Decision Tree
Every time a work-related injury or illness occurs, you face a critical question: does this go on the OSHA 300 log? Getting it wrong in either direction creates risk — under-recording triggers citations, and over-recording inflates your TRIR and EMR.
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Step 1: Is It Work-Related?
An injury is work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the condition. The work environment includes:
Exceptions (NOT recordable even if work-related):
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Step 2: Does It Meet a Recording Criterion?
An injury is recordable if it results in ANY of these:
| Criterion | Example |
|-----------|---------|
| Death | Any work-related fatality |
| Days away from work | Employee misses one or more days |
| Restricted work or job transfer | Employee can't perform normal duties |
| Medical treatment beyond first aid | Sutures, prescription medications, physical therapy |
| Loss of consciousness | Even momentary |
| Significant injury diagnosed by HCP | Fracture, punctured eardrum, chronic illness |
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The First Aid vs. Medical Treatment Line
This is where most employers make mistakes. First aid treatments are NOT recordable even if the injury is work-related.