Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q32

BIGFOOT: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2020-08-09

Question

While completing a task in the woods alone, an employee is injured. The employee claims he was attacked and injured by Bigfoot before he managed to escape. The employee received medical treatment. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES, it is recordable. Regardless of the cause (animal, weather, terrorist, aggressive customer, BIGFOOT or rabid squirrel) an injury that occurs in the work environment is presumed to be work-related. The employee received medical treatment beyond first aid, which makes the incident recordable.
1904.5(a) Basic requirement. You must consider an injury or illness to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness. Work-relatedness is presumed for injuries and illnesses resulting from events or exposures occurring in the work environment, unless an exception in §1904.5(b)(2) specifically applies

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1904/1904.5

Illustration for the scenario: BIGFOOT
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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.