OSHA - Safety Certificate OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An employee sustains a work-related injury. Which of the following scenarios would require the employer to report the event to OSHA within 24 hours?
- The employee is treated in the emergency room and sent home the same day.
- The employee receives stitches for a deep laceration at an urgent care clinic.
- The employee is formally admitted to a hospital for in-patient care. (Correct answer)
- The employee is kept at a clinic for observation for 6 hours.
Correct answer: The employee is formally admitted to a hospital for in-patient care.
According to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1904.39, employers must report the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees as a result of a work-related incident within 24 hours. OSHA defines in-patient hospitalization as a formal admission to the in-patient service of a hospital or clinic for care or treatment. Treatment in an emergency room only, receiving stitches (which is recordable but not immediately reportable), and being kept for observation are not considered in-patient hospitalization and do not trigger the 24-hour reporting requirement.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered 'medical treatment beyond first aid' and would therefore make a work-related injury recordable on the OSHA 300 Log?
- Using a temporary immobilization device, like a splint, during transport.
- Cleaning a wound and applying a simple adhesive bandage.
- Receiving a prescription for a medication, regardless of whether it is filled. (Correct answer)
- Applying a cold compress to a bruise.
Correct answer: Receiving a prescription for a medication, regardless of whether it is filled.
OSHA's recordkeeping standard (29 CFR 1904.7) clearly distinguishes between first aid and medical treatment. The use of non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength, cleaning wounds, using bandages, and applying hot or cold therapy are all listed as first aid. However, the use of prescription medication is explicitly defined as medical treatment beyond first aid, making the case recordable. This applies even if the employee only receives the prescription and doesn't get it filled.
Question 3: An employer must post the OSHA Form 300A, the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, in a conspicuous place for employees to view. What is the required posting period for this form?
- From January 1 to December 31 of the current year.
- From March 2 to April 30.
- The entire month of January.
- From February 1 to April 30. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: From February 1 to April 30.
According to OSHA regulations [29 CFR 1904.32(b)(6)], employers must post a copy of the annual summary (OSHA Form 300A) for the previous year no later than February 1 and keep it in place until April 30. It must be displayed in a conspicuous area where notices to employees are customarily posted.
Question 4: A work-related employee fatality occurs. How soon must the employer report the fatality to OSHA, and what is the time limit between the incident and the death for this reporting requirement to apply?
- Within 24 hours, if the death occurs within 24 hours of the incident.
- Within 8 hours, if the death occurs within 30 days of the incident. (Correct answer)
- Within 48 hours, if the death occurs within 7 days of the incident.
- Immediately, regardless of when the death occurs after the incident.
Correct answer: Within 8 hours, if the death occurs within 30 days of the incident.
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1904.39(a)(1) requires all employers to report any worker fatality as a result of a work-related incident to OSHA within 8 hours. Furthermore, 29 CFR 1904.39(b)(6) specifies that this reporting requirement only applies if the fatality occurs within 30 days of the work-related incident.
Question 5: After a recordable work-related injury occurs, the employer must complete the OSHA Form 301 Incident Report (or an equivalent form). What is the deadline for completing this form?
- Within 24 hours of the incident.
- Within 3 business days of learning about the incident.
- Within 7 calendar days of receiving information that a recordable incident occurred. (Correct answer)
- By the end of the month in which the incident occurred.
Correct answer: Within 7 calendar days of receiving information that a recordable incident occurred.
According to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1904.29(b)(3), for each recordable injury or illness, the employer must fill out the OSHA Form 301 Incident Report (or an equivalent) within 7 calendar days of receiving information that a recordable work-related injury or illness has occurred.
Question 6: An employee is injured at work and is treated at a hospital. The employer is determining if the incident must be immediately reported to OSHA. Under OSHA's definition, which of the following situations does NOT qualify as a reportable 'in-patient hospitalization'?
- Formal admission to the hospital for an overnight stay for treatment.
- Admission to a clinic's in-patient service for care.
- An employee is kept in the emergency room for treatment and observation only, then released. (Correct answer)
- Formal admission to the hospital for care, even if the employee is released the next morning.
Correct answer: An employee is kept in the emergency room for treatment and observation only, then released.
OSHA defines in-patient hospitalization as a 'formal admission to the in-patient service of a hospital or clinic for care or treatment.' This means the employee has been admitted to the hospital beyond the emergency room. Treatment in an emergency room only, or being held only for observation or diagnostic testing without formal admission, does not meet the definition and is therefore not a reportable event (though it may be a recordable one).
OSHA - Safety Certificate OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting Questions and Answers 1
An employee sustains a work-related injury.
Which of the following scenarios would require the employer to report the event to OSHA within 24 hours?