How do OSHA guidelines affect work comp premiums and insurance claims? Here is a little detail on why first aid reportables can make all the difference….
First Aid or Recordable? New OSHA guidelines…..
Some workers’ compensation injuries are of such a minor nature that the law permits the employer to treat or refer for treatment of these injuries and pay for them privately rather than through the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. These injuries are known as First Aid and are not recordable injuries per OSHA guidelines and no claims file needs to be made up for them. All other injuries are considered Medical Treatment, which are recordable for OSHA guidelines and for which claims files are made up.
Due to the benefits employers derive from classifying injuries as first aid, it is necessary to understand which injuries can be so classified and when they must be reported to the insurer and to OSHA. This list of first aid treatments if comprehensive, i.e., any treatment not included on this list is not considered first aid for OSHA record keeping purposes. OSHA considers the listed treatments to be first aid regardless of the professional qualifications of the person providing the treatment; even when a physician, nurse, or other health care professional provides these treatments, they are considered first aid for record keeping purposes.
New Rules under OSHA 194.07
Note: MT = Medical Treatment FA = First Aid – 1 does of prescription medication now MT (Old rule: 2 doses MT)
– OTC med at prescription strength now MT (Old rule any dosage FA)
– Any number of hot/cold treatments now FA – (Old rule 2 or more treatments MT)
– Drilling a nail now FA – (Old rule MT)
– Butterfly bandage/Steri-Strip now FA – (Old rule MT)