Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q9

Injured While Donating Blood: is it recordable?

Verdict: Not recordable
Published 2020-08-09

Question

Karen volunteers to donate blood for a company-sponsored blood drive. While inserting a needle the nurse sneezes and impales her artery. Karen visits the ER for treatment and is issued antibiotics. Is it recordable?

Answer

NO, it is not recordable. This event falls under one of the exceptions to the geographic presumption: [The incident is not recordable when] the injury or illness results solely from voluntary participation in a wellness program or in a medical, fitness, or recreational activity such as blood donation, physical examination, flu shot, exercise class, racquetball, or baseball.

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

Illustration for the scenario: Injured While Donating Blood
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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.