In OSHA parlance, a recordable injury or illness is one that meets specific criteria for work-relatedness and severity. If a case results in:
then it typically must be recorded on your OSHA 300 log. These categories form the backbone of the recordability test for injuries and illnesses across industries.
Key takeaway: If a worker’s injury or illness goes beyond basic first aid AND is work-related, it likely meets the OSHA definition of a recordable case.
An injury is work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment caused or contributed to the condition — regardless of where the injury happened — unless the injury is specifically excluded (e.g., commuting accidents in most cases).
Examples of work-related recordable injuries include:
Examples not work-related (and therefore not recordable):
Here’s how OSHA breaks recordable cases down:
1. Death
Any work-related fatality must be recorded and reported immediately.
2. Days Away From Work (DAFW)
If an employee cannot return to work the day after the injury, this is recordable.
3. Restricted Work or Job Transfer
Even if an employee returns to work, restrictions count — such as light duty or modified tasks.
4. Medical Treatment Beyond First Aid
Medical treatment by a licensed healthcare professional — like stitches, prescription medication, or surgical procedures — is recordable. Basic first aid items like bandages or ice are NOT recordable.
5. Loss of Consciousness
Even temporarily losing consciousness on the job is recordable.
It’s vital to distinguish first aid from medical treatment, because only the latter triggers recordability.
First aid includes:
Medical treatment includes:
If treatment crosses that line, it’s a recordable case.
Common recordable illnesses include:
Keeping accurate exposure records and employee reports helps validate whether these cases are work-related.
As of 2026, OSHA has updated some definitions and reporting thresholds — especially around electronic submissions and privacy concerns. Key changes include:
Note to Safety Directors: Always cross-check the latest OSHA regulatory updates and guidance letters — 2026 recordkeeping adds nuance in areas like telework and wellness programs.
With OSHA expecting higher data quality and more audits, consider:
Having a consistent process reduces underreporting and ensures compliance.
These errors can trigger citations and misrepresent your safety performance.
As workplace dynamics evolve in 2026 — from hybrid job roles to updated reporting mandates — the definition of a recordable injury remains grounded in work-relatedness and severity. For Safety Directors, understanding these rules isn’t just regulatory — it’s critical for protecting workers, improving safety programs, and maintaining credible data that drives action.