What it means
A recordable incident is a work-related injury or illness that has to go on the OSHA 300 Log. The rule is OSHA 29 CFR 1904.
In general terms, a case is recordable if it's work-related and results in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness. Some significant diagnoses are also recordable.
The details matter. Work-relatedness has its own tests and there are exceptions. Check the current OSHA recordkeeping rules for each case, and ask a qualified person when it's a close call.
Why it matters
Every rate you report starts with the count of recordables. Miss one and the numbers are wrong. Over-count and you may lose bids for no reason. Getting the call right protects both the worker's record and the company.
What it looks like on a site
- After any injury, the lead writes down what treatment was given and who gave it.
- The safety lead reviews each case against the current rule the same week.
- Close calls get a second set of eyes, not a quick guess.
- The decision and the reason are written on the file, so you can explain it later.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and your own procedures. Back to the glossary