MoreOSHA’s new recordkeeping rule that goes into effect January 1, 2002, includes a new definition of first aid, and clarifies that only medical treatment needs to be recorded on the new OSHA 300 logs. First aid cases do not need to be recorded.
Here are procedures that OSHA considers to be first aid:
- First aid is usually administered after the injury or illness occurs and at the location where it occurred.
- First aid generally consists of one-time or short-term treatment.
- First aid treatments are usually simple and require little or no technology.
- First aid can be administered by people with little training (beyond first aid training) and even by the injured or ill person.
- First aid is usually administered to keep the condition from worsening while the injured or ill person is awaiting medical treatment.
OSHA’s new definition of first aid includes:
- Using a nonprescription medication at nonprescription strength;
- Cleaning, flushing, or soaking wounds on the surface of the skin;
- Using hot or cold therapy;
- Using any temporary immobilization devices while transporting a victim;
- Draining fluid from a blister;
- Removing foreign bodies from the eye using only irrigation or a cotton swab;
- Using finger guards;
- Use of a massage (though physical and chiropractic therapy are defined as medical treatment); and
- Drinking fluids for relief of heat stress.
Multiple applications of first aid do not represent medical treatment, according to OSHA. It is the nature of the treatment, not how many times it is applied, that defines whether it is first aid or medical treatment, according to the agency.
