Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q82

Hammer Meet Thumb: is it recordable?

Verdict: Not recordable
Published 2020-09-06

Question

An employee is building crates for a warehouse and strikes his thumb with a hammer. The thumb is contused, and a couple days later, the thumb nail is suffering from the pressure of swelling. The employee is taken to an occupational health clinic where a doctor drills the thumb nail to relieve the pressure. The doctor also instructs the employee on how to take over-the-counter ibuprofen. The employee does not miss any work as a result of the incident. Is it recordable?

Answer

NO. Drilling a fingernail to relieve pressure and over the counter ibuprofen are first aid treatments.
1904.7(b)(5)(ii) What is "first aid"? For the purposes of Part 1904, \"first aid\" means the following:
1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(A) Using a non-prescription medication at nonprescription strength (for medications available in both prescription and non-prescription form, a recommendation by a physician or other licensed health care professional to use a non-prescription medication at prescription strength is considered medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes);
1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(H)
Drilling of a fingernail or toenail to relieve pressure, or draining fluid from a blister;

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/interlinking/standards/1904.7(b)(5)(ii)

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1904/1904.7

Illustration for the scenario: Hammer Meet Thumb

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.