Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q170

Walking Normally: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2021-05-16

Question

An employee was walking down the hall and remembered he left something behind in a meeting room. While pivoting on the tile floor, his knee cap went 90 degrees to the side with a pop. The employee received surgery and prescription medication. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES. Any activity that is not specifically excepted that occurs in the work environment can be considered a triggering "event" for OSHA recordkeeping purposes. This injury is work-related and the employee received medical treatment beyond first aid and should be recorded. Letter of Interpretation: Under OSHA's recordkeeping system, normal body movements in the work environment, such as walking, bending down or sneezing, are "events" which trigger the presumption for work-relatedness if they are a discernible cause of an injury. 1904.5(a):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. 1904.5(b)(1): What is the "work environment"? OSHA defines the work environment as "the establishment and other locations where one or more employees are working or are present as a condition of their employment. The work environment includes not only physical locations, but also the equipment or materials used by the employee during the course of his or her work."

Illustration for the scenario: Walking Normally

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Illustration for the scenario: Walking Normally

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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.