First aid (OSHA recordkeeping)
The complete list of treatments in 1904.7(b)(5)(ii). A case treated only with these isn't recordable on treatment alone.
Definition, in the source's words
29 CFR 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“For the purposes of part 1904, “first aid” means the following: (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);”
What it means
The rest of the list: tetanus immunizations; cleaning, flushing or soaking surface wounds; wound coverings such as bandages, gauze pads, butterfly bandages or Steri-Strips; hot or cold therapy; non-rigid means of support such as elastic bandages and wraps; temporary immobilization devices used to transport accident victims; drilling a fingernail or toenail, or draining a blister; eye patches; removing foreign bodies from the eye by irrigation or a cotton swab; removing splinters or foreign material from areas other than the eye by irrigation, tweezers, cotton swabs or other simple means; finger guards; massages; and drinking fluids for relief of heat stress.
The list is complete (1904.7(b)(5)(iii)). Anything not on it is medical treatment.
Example
A clinic gives a worker over-the-counter ibuprofen at the label dose and an elastic wrap for a strained wrist: first aid only. If the clinician recommends ibuprofen at prescription strength, that's medical treatment and the case is recordable.
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 9, Legal
Practice: OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting
CSP: CSP11 Domain 2, Program Management
CHST: CHST5 Domain 3, Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment
Practice: OSHA Recordkeeping
Questions
- Is a tetanus shot first aid?
- Yes. Tetanus immunizations are on the first aid list in 1904.7(b)(5)(ii).
- Are stitches first aid?
- No. Sutures aren't on the list, so they're medical treatment.
Related
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.