All prescription medications, including preventive antibiotics, should be considered medical treatment and are recordable.
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
March 10, 2005
Mr. Dave Beyer
EHS Coordinator
Lucas Milhaupt
5656 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Cudahy, WI 53110
Dear Mr. Beyer:
Thank you for your letter of October 1, 2004 seeking clarification of the circumstances in which an antibiotic is considered medical treatment. You state that an employee was sent to the hospital to have a splinter removed and was given an antibiotic as a precautionary measure. You ask whether the case could be considered non-recordable because the medication was given only as a preventive measure.