Restricted work (OSHA recordkeeping)
When a work injury keeps someone from routine job functions or a full workday, by employer decision or medical recommendation.
Definition, in the source's words
29 CFR 1904.7(b)(4)(i)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Restricted work occurs when, as the result of a work-related injury or illness:”
Also defined in
29 CFR 1904.7(b)(4)(ii)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“For recordkeeping purposes, an employee's routine functions are those work activities the employee regularly performs at least once per week.”
What it means
Restriction happens either when the employer keeps the employee from one or more routine functions or from a full scheduled workday, or when a physician or other licensed health care professional recommends that. Restricted and job-transfer cases count toward the DART rate together with days-away cases.
Example
A warehouse worker who lifts 50-pound cartons several times a week is told by a doctor not to lift over 20 pounds for two weeks. Lifting is a routine function, so the case is restricted work: recordable, and counted in DART.
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
- What counts as a routine function?
- A work activity the employee regularly performs at least once per week (1904.7(b)(4)(ii)).
Related
- Recordable injury or illness
- Medical treatment (OSHA recordkeeping)
- Formula: DART rate
- Regulation: 29 CFR 1904.7
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.