Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q177

Falling Boiler: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2021-05-30

Question

An explosion launched a car-sized boiler through the roof of a company across the street from where an employee was working in an office. The boiler smashed down through the ceiling of the building and killed the employee. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES. The incident occurred during the workday and there is no listed exception for incidents caused by third parties. The fatality is also reportable and must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours.

1904.7(a): Basic requirement. You must consider an injury or illness to meet the general recording criteria, and therefore to be recordable, if it results in any of the following: death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness. You must also consider a case to meet the general recording criteria if it involves a significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional, even if it does not result in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.

How to Report a Fatality

Illustration for the scenario: Falling Boiler

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Illustration for the scenario: Falling Boiler

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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.