Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q101

Mental Illness: is it recordable?

Verdict: Not recordable
Published 2020-11-15

Question

An employee begins having panic attacks and extreme anxiety at work. He visits a psychiatrist and is provided prescription anti-anxiety medication. Is it recordable?

Answer

NO. A mental illness that surfaces at work is not considered work-related unless the employee voluntarily provides an opinion from a physician or other licensed health care professional with appropriate training and experience (psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, etc.) stating that the employee has a mental illness that is work-related.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/interlinking/standards/1904.5(b)(2)

Illustration for the scenario: Mental Illness
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This is guidance based on 29 CFR Part 1904 and OSHA letters of interpretation. Facts and details may be altered or fictional. As specified by OSHA, the employer is responsible for the final recordability determination.