Recordkeeping requirements when an employer receives two or more differing medical recommendations for an injury/illness.

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.

May 12, 2006

Mr. Brian W. Price
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30004-4738

Dear Mr. Price:

Restrictions from restricted work activities.

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.

April 25, 2006

Ms. Linda Ballas & Associates
4413 Copper Creek Lane
Toledo, Ohio 43615

Dear Ms. Ballas:

This is in response to your letter dated January 6, 2006. In your letter, you presented the scenario listed below and requested clarification of how it should be recorded on the OSHA Form 300.

No Restricted Work Available

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.

June 23, 2006

Mr. Brian Allen
Gold Toe Brands, Inc.
7110 East Washington Street
Mebane, NC 27302

Dear Mr. Allen:

Thank you for your March 24, 2006 letter concerning Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) injury and illness recordkeeping requirements of 29 CFR Part 1904. You requested specific guidance on recordkeeping requirements found in 1904.7(b)(4), more specifically work-related injury or illness that results in restricted work. Your question has been rephrased below.

Clarification of the term "contemporaneous" as used in recordkeeping FAQ 7-10a.

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.

May 15, 2007

Mr. David F. Coble, CSP, President
CTJ Safety Associates
113 Cambay Court
Cary, NC 27513

Dear Mr. Coble:

This is in response to your February 2, 2006 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requesting an interpretation of the term "contemporaneous" as used in Frequently Asked Question 7-10a to the injury and illness recordkeeping regulation at 29 CFR Part 1904.

FAQ 7-10a states:

Whether damage to employee dentures is a recordable injury.

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.

April 3, 2007

Mr. Brian P. Leech, CIH
Senior Occupational Health Specialist
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
1001 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77387

Dear Mr. Leech:

Clarification of several recordkeeping scenarios regarding the use of prescription medication in treating a work-related case.

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.

February 6, 2007

Ms. Linda Ballas
Linda Ballas & Associates
7129 Nightingale Drive
Holland, OH 43528

Dear Ms. Ballas:

Recording an injury when physician recommends restriction but no restricted work is available.

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.

August 3, 2006

Ms. Joan Brooker
Safety Administrative Assistant
WACO® Scaffolding & Equipment
4545 Spring Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44131-8028

Dear Ms. Brooker:

Clarification of several recordkeeping scenarios regarding days away from work, restricted work activity, and work-relatedness.

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.

August 26, 2008

Mr. Neil H. Wasser
Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLC
Suite 2400
230 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30303-1557

Dear Mr. Wasser:

Health impacts from shared office equipment.

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.


June 22, 2009

Joseph Berk, MD, JD, MHS
9199 Reisterstown Road
Suite 207 A
Owings Mills, MD 21117

Dear Dr. Berk:

Clarification on hot therapy as first aid.

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.

February 16, 2011

Mr. Jeff Hiserman, P.T., CET
Susquehanna Health
Physical Therapy Services
1100 Grampian Boulevard
Williamsport, PA 17701-1995

Dear Mr. Hiserman: