Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q5

Antibiotics Administered as a Precaution: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2020-08-09

Question

An employee receives minor cuts and scrapes after falling into brambles at a job site. In an over-abundance of caution, a doctor prescribes antibiotics. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES, antibiotics are considered medical treatment and therefore recordable, even when used as a precaution.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/federalregister/2001-01-19

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2009-10-06-0

Illustration for the scenario: Antibiotics Administered as a Precaution

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.