Does prescribing stretching or exercise to an employee make it a recordable case?

05/07/2015

by Blake McGowan, CPE

Whenever I share that prescribing an exercise regime directed by a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) constitutes a "first aid" or "medical treatment" for OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping purposes, safety professionals are surprised—sometimes, even shocked. Basically, if an ATC recommends exercise to an employee who exhibits any signs or symptoms of a work related injury, the case involves medical treatment and is a recordable case. In addition, providing an employee with a written home exercise program (including sets/reps and resistance) constitutes a medical treatment. Lastly, utilizing stretching to relieve employee symptoms also constitutes medical treatment.

For a more detailed explanation, please visit:

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=27698

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=27674