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Glossary

First aid vs. medical treatment

First aid is minor, one-time care that isn't recordable. Medical treatment beyond first aid generally makes an injury recordable.

Also calledfirst aid versus medical treatment, medical treatment beyond first aid, OSHA first aid list

All terms

What it means

OSHA's recordkeeping rule separates first aid from medical treatment. If the care is on the rule's list of first aid, the case is generally not recordable on that basis. If it goes beyond that list, it generally is.

First aid is usually simple, short care given on the spot, like cleaning a scrape or putting on a bandage. Medical treatment is care a health professional would generally provide, like stitches or prescription medication.

The line is set by the rule's own list, not by who gave the care or where. Check the current OSHA recordkeeping rules, OSHA 29 CFR 1904, before you decide a case. This page isn't medical advice. For any injury, get medical help.

Why it matters

This is where most recordkeeping mistakes happen. The same cut can be recordable or not depending on what was done to treat it. A wrong call either way throws off your rates and your log.

What it looks like on a site

  • The lead writes down exactly what care was given, not just that the worker was treated.
  • The safety lead checks that care against the current first aid list in the rule.
  • When a clinic visit happens, the lead gets the paperwork to see what was done.
  • A worker is never talked out of seeing a doctor to keep a case off the log.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and your own procedures. Back to the glossary

Common questions

What counts as first aid under OSHA?
OSHA's recordkeeping rule has a specific list of care it treats as first aid. Check the current list in OSHA 29 CFR 1904 rather than going from memory.
Is a clinic visit always recordable?
No. What matters is the care given, not the visit. Check the current OSHA rules and look at what treatment was provided.

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