Free calculator
Is it recordable? Walk the case through the rules.
Answer five short sets of questions about an injury or illness. The helper says whether it looks recordable, looks not recordable, or needs a closer look, and names the OSHA section behind each answer.
Also calledOSHA recordable decision tool, Is it an OSHA recordable, Recordable or first aid, OSHA recordable flowchart
This helps you think it through. It isn't legal advice. Your company decides, and when in doubt, ask OSHA or your safety advisor.
1. Is it work-related?
Did something in the work environment cause or contribute to it, or make an existing condition significantly worse? (1904.5)
2. Is it a new case?
Not new if it’s the same type of injury or illness to the same body part as one you already recorded for this person and they haven’t fully recovered, unless a workplace event brought it back. (1904.6)
3. What happened as a result?
Tick everything that applies. (1904.7)
4. Does a special rule apply?
These have their own recording rules. Tick any that fit.
5. Does it also need to be reported to OSHA?
Reporting is a different rule from recording. (1904.39)
Answer the questions to see how this case reads.
- This helps you think it through. It isn't legal advice. Your company decides, and when in doubt, ask OSHA or your safety advisor.
- Check 1904.1 and 1904.2 for whether your business keeps these records at all.
- Read October 28, 2026 from 29 CFR 1904 on eCFR. Made with the free recordable helper at portalbaseai.com.
This does arithmetic on what you type. Nothing leaves your browser. Check the result against your own rules and procedures.
What it checks
- Is it work-related, and does one of the seven exceptions apply (1904.5).
- Is it a new case, or the same one continuing (1904.6).
- Did it end in death, days away, restricted work or transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant diagnosed injury or illness (1904.7).
- Was everything that was done on the first aid list, which the section says is complete.
- Does a special rule apply, and does it also need to be reported to OSHA within 8 or 24 hours (1904.8 to 1904.11, 1904.39).
What it doesn't do
- It doesn't decide, and it isn't legal advice. It follows the rules as they're written in 29 CFR 1904, read on eCFR. Your answers decide the result, and a judgment call is a judgment call. When the facts don't settle it, it says so.
- Nothing you tick is saved or sent. Don't put a person's name or health details into any tool you don't need to. This one asks for none.
Run this in the field.
Report incidents and near misses from the phone, with the investigation and the corrective actions kept together.
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Common questions
- What makes an injury recordable?
- If it's work-related and a new case, it's recordable when it results in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant injury or illness diagnosed by a professional. 29 CFR 1904.7 sets this out.
- What counts as first aid?
- OSHA lists it, and says the list is complete: things like non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength, cleaning a wound, bandages, hot or cold therapy, and a tetanus shot. Stitches, prescription medication and physical therapy are medical treatment. The helper has the full list.
- Is recording the same as reporting to OSHA?
- No. Recording is what goes on the OSHA 300 Log. Reporting is a call to OSHA within 8 hours of a work-related death, or within 24 hours of an in-patient hospitalization, an amputation or the loss of an eye (1904.39).
- Do I have to keep these records?
- Some small employers and some industries are partially exempt from routine recordkeeping. Check 1904.1 and 1904.2, and your state's rules.
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