A worker got injured — figure out recordkeeping
Decide if it's OSHA-recordable, document the incident, post it on the 300A, and keep the records the right number of years.
Why this workflow
When someone gets hurt, the recordkeeping decisions come fast and they're easy to get wrong — what counts as work-related, what's 'medical treatment beyond first aid,' and what must be reported to OSHA versus just logged. This workflow makes the call, documents it, and posts it correctly.
Run these tools in order
Each step opens a free tool. Work top to bottom for a clear outcome.
- 1
OSHA Recordability Decision Tree
Is it recordable? (1904.7)
- 2
Near-Miss & CAPA Report
No injury? Log the near miss
- 3
Forklift Operator Certification
Forklift involved? Refresher is mandatory (1910.178(l)(4)(ii)(B))
- 4
OSHA 301 Incident Investigation Form
Document the incident
- 5
OSHA 300A Auto-Filler
Summary + TRIR / DART
- 6
OSHA Records Retention Schedule
How long to keep it
When you’re done, you’ll have
- Recordability decided (1904.7 criteria + first-aid list)
- OSHA 301 incident investigation completed
- Case added to the 300 log / 300A summary
- Forklift operator refresher + re-evaluation done (if a powered industrial truck was involved)
- Retention period set (5 years per 1904.33)
Frequently asked questions
What has to be reported to OSHA, not just logged?
A work-related fatality within 8 hours, and any in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours (1904.39) — regardless of your size or any recordkeeping exemption.
Where's the line between first aid and a recordable case?
1904.7 gives a closed list of first aid (non-prescription meds at non-prescription strength, bandages, hot/cold therapy, and so on). Treatment beyond that list — prescriptions, sutures, restricted duty — generally makes the case recordable.
It's not clearly work-related — do I record it?
Apply the geographic presumption: injuries occurring in the work environment are presumed work-related unless a listed 1904.5 exception applies. The decision tree walks those exceptions so the call is defensible.
Planning aid only — not legal advice. Confirm every determination against the current OSHA standard and your State-Plan's rules.
Keep your injury records and proof organized year-round
HazComFast keeps your records and supporting documents in one place, ready for the next ITA filing or inspection.
Try HazComFast freeGet the Binder in Order Before the Inspector Arrives. Are You Ready?
OSHA does not give advance notice of inspections (29 CFR 1903.6). Get the binder in order before the opening conference, not during it.
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