INJURY & ILLNESS RECORD INJURY & ILLNESS RECORD KEEPING AND INCIDENCE RATESKEEPING AND INCIDENCE RATES

CHAPTER 8CHAPTER 8

INCIDENT RECORDSINCIDENT RECORDS

Records of incidents and injuries are essential to maintain efficient Records of incidents and injuries are essential to maintain efficient and successful safety programs, just as records of production, and successful safety programs, just as records of production, costs, sales, and profits and losses are essential to efficient and costs, sales, and profits and losses are essential to efficient and successful business operations. successful business operations.

Uses of RecordsUses of Records

A good record-keeping system can help the safety professional in A good record-keeping system can help the safety professional in the following ways:the following ways:

Provide safety personnel with the means for an objective evaluation of Provide safety personnel with the means for an objective evaluation of their incident problems and with a measurement of the overall progress their incident problems and with a measurement of the overall progress and effectiveness of their safety program.and effectiveness of their safety program.

Identify high incident rate units, plants, or departments and problem Identify high incident rate units, plants, or departments and problem areas so extra effort can be made in those areas.areas so extra effort can be made in those areas.

Provide data for an analysis of incidents pointing to specific causes or Provide data for an analysis of incidents pointing to specific causes or circumstances, which can be attacked by specific countermeasures.circumstances, which can be attacked by specific countermeasures.

Create interest in safety among supervisors or team leaders by Create interest in safety among supervisors or team leaders by furnishing them with information about their departments' incident furnishing them with information about their departments' incident experience.experience.

Provide supervisors and safety committees with hard facts about their Provide supervisors and safety committees with hard facts about their safety problems so their efforts can be concentrated.safety problems so their efforts can be concentrated.

Measure the effectiveness of individual countermeasures. Measure the effectiveness of individual countermeasures. Assist management in performance evaluation.Assist management in performance evaluation.

Record-Keeping SystemsRecord-Keeping Systems An incident report should accomplish three things: An incident report should accomplish three things: (a) establish all (a) establish all

causes contributing to the incident; (b) reveal questions the causes contributing to the incident; (b) reveal questions the investigator should ask to determine all environmental and human investigator should ask to determine all environmental and human causes; and (c) provide a means of accumulating incident datacauses; and (c) provide a means of accumulating incident data. .

A system that does a good job of collecting the basic facts, however, A system that does a good job of collecting the basic facts, however, makes it easier later on to pinpoint the data relating to a specific makes it easier later on to pinpoint the data relating to a specific problem.problem.

In addition to the system presented here, which is primarily a manual, In addition to the system presented here, which is primarily a manual, paper-based system, there are a number of personal computer-based paper-based system, there are a number of personal computer-based record-keeping systems available on the market today. record-keeping systems available on the market today.

The First Aid ReportThe First Aid Report

The collection of injury data generally begins in the first aid The collection of injury data generally begins in the first aid department. The first aid nurse fills out a report for each new case. department. The first aid nurse fills out a report for each new case.

Copies are sent to the safety department or safety committee, the Copies are sent to the safety department or safety committee, the worker's supervisor, and other departments as management may worker's supervisor, and other departments as management may wish.wish.

Employee Injury and Illness RecordEmployee Injury and Illness Record

After cases are closed, the first aid report and the supervisor's After cases are closed, the first aid report and the supervisor's report are filed by source of injury (type of machine, tool, material, report are filed by source of injury (type of machine, tool, material, etc.), type of event or exposure, or another factor that will facilitate etc.), type of event or exposure, or another factor that will facilitate use of the reports for incident prevention.use of the reports for incident prevention.

Filing ReportsFiling Reports After injury reports have been used to compile monthly summaries, After injury reports have been used to compile monthly summaries,

the incomplete reports can be kept in a temporary file for convenient the incomplete reports can be kept in a temporary file for convenient reference as later information about the injuries becomes available. reference as later information about the injuries becomes available.

When injury reports are complete, they should be filed in a When injury reports are complete, they should be filed in a convenient system that permits quick access of information for convenient system that permits quick access of information for special studies of incident conditions. special studies of incident conditions.

For exampleFor example, the reports can be filed by agency of the injury, by , the reports can be filed by agency of the injury, by occupation of the injured person, by department.occupation of the injured person, by department.

The employee injury card should be cross-referenced to the file The employee injury card should be cross-referenced to the file location of the detailed incident report.location of the detailed incident report.

Monthly Summary of Injuries and IllnessesMonthly Summary of Injuries and Illnesses

Managers and supervisors should prepare a monthly summary of injuries and Managers and supervisors should prepare a monthly summary of injuries and illnesses to reveal the current status of incident experience. illnesses to reveal the current status of incident experience.

This monthly summary of injury and illness cases allows for tabulating This monthly summary of injury and illness cases allows for tabulating monthly and cumulative totals and the computation of OSHA incidence rates. monthly and cumulative totals and the computation of OSHA incidence rates.

This form would be filled out on the basis of the individual report forms that This form would be filled out on the basis of the individual report forms that were processed during the month or from OSHA form No. 300, Log and were processed during the month or from OSHA form No. 300, Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.

The monthly summary should be prepared as soon after the end of each The monthly summary should be prepared as soon after the end of each month as the information becomes available but not later than the 20th of the month as the information becomes available but not later than the 20th of the following month. following month.

Annual ReportAnnual Report

Every establishment subject to the OSHAct is obliged to post its annual Every establishment subject to the OSHAct is obliged to post its annual summary by February 1st for 30 days. The cumulative totals on OSHA form summary by February 1st for 30 days. The cumulative totals on OSHA form No. 300, Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, serve as No. 300, Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, serve as the annual report.the annual report.

For management purposes, however, the annual report fulfills a more direct For management purposes, however, the annual report fulfills a more direct function. Managers and others prepare monthly summaries of injuries and function. Managers and others prepare monthly summaries of injuries and illnesses primarily to show the trend of safety performance during the year. illnesses primarily to show the trend of safety performance during the year.

However, annual reports are prepared to compare data for the longer periods However, annual reports are prepared to compare data for the longer periods with the experience of previous years and with the experience of similar with the experience of previous years and with the experience of similar organizations and of the industry as a whole.organizations and of the industry as a whole.

Uses of ReportsUses of Reports

Reports to ManagementReports to Management

Management is increasingly interested in the incident experience of its company. Management is increasingly interested in the incident experience of its company. Therefore, monthly and other periodic summary reports showing the results of the safety Therefore, monthly and other periodic summary reports showing the results of the safety program should be provided to the responsible executive. program should be provided to the responsible executive.

Such reports do not need to contain details or technical language. They can be Such reports do not need to contain details or technical language. They can be supplemented by simple charts or graphs to compare current incident rates with those of supplemented by simple charts or graphs to compare current incident rates with those of the previous period and the rates of other companies in the industry.the previous period and the rates of other companies in the industry.

In a large company, departmental data help the executive visualize incident experience In a large company, departmental data help the executive visualize incident experience in various plant operations and provide a measure for better evaluation of progress in various plant operations and provide a measure for better evaluation of progress made in the elimination of incidents. made in the elimination of incidents.

It can be particularly valuable to compare cost figures, if they can be obtained, for It can be particularly valuable to compare cost figures, if they can be obtained, for different periods.different periods.

Bulletins to SupervisorsBulletins to Supervisors

Supervisors are primarily interested in their own department and workers. One of the Supervisors are primarily interested in their own department and workers. One of the most effective ways to create and maintain the interest of supervisors in incident most effective ways to create and maintain the interest of supervisors in incident prevention is to keep them informed about the incident records of their departments. prevention is to keep them informed about the incident records of their departments.

Department injury rates based on sufficient amounts of exposure reflect the Department injury rates based on sufficient amounts of exposure reflect the effectiveness of the supervisors' safety activities. effectiveness of the supervisors' safety activities.

Because interest increases with knowledge, management can send supervisors Because interest increases with knowledge, management can send supervisors bulletins containing analyses of the principal causes of incidents in each department. bulletins containing analyses of the principal causes of incidents in each department.

Bulletin Board PublicityBulletin Board Publicity

Posting a variety of materials on bulletin boards is one of Posting a variety of materials on bulletin boards is one of the best ways to maintain the interest of employees in the best ways to maintain the interest of employees in safety. safety.

Incident records furnish many items, such as the Incident records furnish many items, such as the following:following:

• no-injury records no-injury records • unusual incidents unusual incidents • frequent causes of incidentsfrequent causes of incidents• charts showing reductions in incidentscharts showing reductions in incidents• simple tables comparing departmental records simple tables comparing departmental records • standings in contests.standings in contests.

Employers Subject to the Record-Keeping Requirements Employers Subject to the Record-Keeping Requirements

Employers with 11 or more employees (at any one time in the previous calendar year) in the Employers with 11 or more employees (at any one time in the previous calendar year) in the following industries must keep OSHA records. The industries are identified by name and by the following industries must keep OSHA records. The industries are identified by name and by the appropriate appropriate Standard Industrial ClassificationStandard Industrial Classification (SIC) code: (SIC) code:

• agriculture, forestry, and fishing (SIC 01-02 and 07-09)agriculture, forestry, and fishing (SIC 01-02 and 07-09)• oil and gas extraction (SIC 13 and 14) oil and gas extraction (SIC 13 and 14) • construction (SIC 15-17) construction (SIC 15-17) • manufacturing (SIC 20-39)manufacturing (SIC 20-39)• transportation and public utilities (SIC 41-42 and 44-49)transportation and public utilities (SIC 41-42 and 44-49)• wholesale trade (SIC 50-51)wholesale trade (SIC 50-51)• building materials and garden supplies (SIC 52) building materials and garden supplies (SIC 52) • general merchandise and food stores (SIC 53 and 54)general merchandise and food stores (SIC 53 and 54)• hotels and other lodging places (SIC 70) hotels and other lodging places (SIC 70) • repair services (SIC 75 and 76) repair services (SIC 75 and 76) • amusement and recreation services (SIC 79) amusement and recreation services (SIC 79) • health services (SIC 80).health services (SIC 80).

Employers in other industries are normally exempt from OSHA record keeping, as employers with Employers in other industries are normally exempt from OSHA record keeping, as employers with no more than 10 full-time or part-time employees at any one time in the previous calendar year.no more than 10 full-time or part-time employees at any one time in the previous calendar year.

Even exempt employers, however, must comply with OSHA standards and display the OSHA Even exempt employers, however, must comply with OSHA standards and display the OSHA poster. They must also report orally to OSHA within eight hours any incident that results in one or poster. They must also report orally to OSHA within eight hours any incident that results in one or more fatalities or the inpatient hospitalization of three or more employees. more fatalities or the inpatient hospitalization of three or more employees.

The following employers and individuals never have to keep OSHA injury and illness records:The following employers and individuals never have to keep OSHA injury and illness records:

• self-employed individuals self-employed individuals • partners with no employees partners with no employees • employers of domestics in the employers' private residence for the purpose of housekeeping employers of domestics in the employers' private residence for the purpose of housekeeping

or child care, or bothor child care, or both• employers engaged in religious activities concerning the conduct of religious services.employers engaged in religious activities concerning the conduct of religious services.

OSHA Record-Keeping FormsOSHA Record-Keeping Forms

Only two forms are used for OSHA record keeping: No. 300 and No. 101. Only two forms are used for OSHA record keeping: No. 300 and No. 101.

The OSHA Injury and illness Log and Summary, OSHA No. 300The OSHA Injury and illness Log and Summary, OSHA No. 300

The log is used for recording and classifying occupational injuries and The log is used for recording and classifying occupational injuries and illnesses and for noting the extent of each case. illnesses and for noting the extent of each case.

The log consists of three parts: a descriptive section that identifies the The log consists of three parts: a descriptive section that identifies the employee and briefly describes the injury or illness, a section covering the employee and briefly describes the injury or illness, a section covering the extent of the injuries recorded, and a section on the type and extent of extent of the injuries recorded, and a section on the type and extent of illnesses.illnesses.

Usually, the OSHA No. 300 form is used by employers as their record of Usually, the OSHA No. 300 form is used by employers as their record of occupational injuries and illnesses. occupational injuries and illnesses.

The Supplementary Record of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, OSHA The Supplementary Record of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, OSHA No. 101No. 101

For every injury or illness entered on the log, it is necessary to record For every injury or illness entered on the log, it is necessary to record additional information on the supplementary record, OSHA No. 101. additional information on the supplementary record, OSHA No. 101.

To eliminate duplicate recording, workers' compensation, insurance, or To eliminate duplicate recording, workers' compensation, insurance, or other reports may be used as supplementary records if they contain all of other reports may be used as supplementary records if they contain all of the items on the OSHA No. 101. the items on the OSHA No. 101.

Categories for Evaluating the Extent of Recordable CasesCategories for Evaluating the Extent of Recordable Cases

Once the employer decides that a recordable injury or illness has occurred, Once the employer decides that a recordable injury or illness has occurred, the case must be evaluated to determine its extent or outcome. the case must be evaluated to determine its extent or outcome.

There are three categories of recordable cases: There are three categories of recordable cases: fatalitiesfatalities, , lost workday lost workday casescases, and , and cases without lost workdayscases without lost workdays. Every recordable case must be . Every recordable case must be placed in only one of these categories.placed in only one of these categories.

FatalitiesFatalities

All work-related fatalities must be recorded, regardless of the time between All work-related fatalities must be recorded, regardless of the time between the injury and the death, or the length of the illness.the injury and the death, or the length of the illness.

Lost Workday CasesLost Workday Cases

Lost workday cases occur when the injured or ill employee experiences Lost workday cases occur when the injured or ill employee experiences either days away from work, days of restricted work activity, or both. either days away from work, days of restricted work activity, or both.

In these situations, the injured or ill employee is affected to such an extent In these situations, the injured or ill employee is affected to such an extent that (1) days must be taken off from the job for medical treatment or that (1) days must be taken off from the job for medical treatment or recovery, or (2) the employee is unable to perform his normal job duties recovery, or (2) the employee is unable to perform his normal job duties over a normal work shift (which could be an extended hour shift of 8 to 12 over a normal work shift (which could be an extended hour shift of 8 to 12 hours).hours).

1. 1. Lost workday cases involving days away from workLost workday cases involving days away from work refer to cases refer to cases

when the employee ordinarily would have been on the job but could not when the employee ordinarily would have been on the job but could not work because of the job-related injury or illness. work because of the job-related injury or illness.

2. 2. Lost workday cases involving days of restricted work activityLost workday cases involving days of restricted work activity are are

those cases in which, because of injury or illness, (1) the employee was those cases in which, because of injury or illness, (1) the employee was temporarily assigned to another job, (2) the employee worked at a temporarily assigned to another job, (2) the employee worked at a permanent job less than full time, or (3) the employee worked at his permanent job less than full time, or (3) the employee worked at his permanently assigned job but could not perform all the duties normally permanently assigned job but could not perform all the duties normally connected with it. connected with it.

Restricted work activity occurs when the employee, because of the job Restricted work activity occurs when the employee, because of the job related injury or illness, is physically or mentally unable to perform all or any related injury or illness, is physically or mentally unable to perform all or any part of the normal job duties over all or any part of the normal workday or part of the normal job duties over all or any part of the normal workday or shift. shift.

Injuries and illnesses are not considered lost workday cases unless they Injuries and illnesses are not considered lost workday cases unless they affect the employee beyond the day of injury or start of illness. affect the employee beyond the day of injury or start of illness.

When counting the number of days away from work or days of restricted When counting the number of days away from work or days of restricted work activity, do not include the initial day of injury. work activity, do not include the initial day of injury.

Employer Reporting ObligationsEmployer Reporting Obligations

The Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and IllnessesThe Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

The survey is conducted on a sample basis. Firms required to The survey is conducted on a sample basis. Firms required to submit reports of their injury and illness experience are submit reports of their injury and illness experience are contacted by OSHA or a participating state agency. contacted by OSHA or a participating state agency.

Access to OSHA RecordsAccess to OSHA Records

To ensure the reliability of the OSHA record-keeping process, To ensure the reliability of the OSHA record-keeping process, OSHA has established regulations regarding access to OSHA OSHA has established regulations regarding access to OSHA records. records.

All OSHA records that are being kept by employers for the five All OSHA records that are being kept by employers for the five year preservation period should be available for inspection and year preservation period should be available for inspection and copying by authorized federal and state government officials. copying by authorized federal and state government officials.

Employees, former employees, and their representatives are Employees, former employees, and their representatives are allowed access only to the log, OSHA No. 300.allowed access only to the log, OSHA No. 300.

INCIDENCE RATESINCIDENCE RATES

Safety performance is relative. Only when a company Safety performance is relative. Only when a company compares its injury experience with that of its entire industry, compares its injury experience with that of its entire industry, or with its own previous experience, can it obtain a meaningful or with its own previous experience, can it obtain a meaningful evaluation of its safety accomplishments. evaluation of its safety accomplishments.

To make such comparisons, a method of measurement is To make such comparisons, a method of measurement is needed that will adjust for the effects of certain variables needed that will adjust for the effects of certain variables contributing to differences in injury experience. contributing to differences in injury experience.

Injury totals alone cannot be used for two reasons.Injury totals alone cannot be used for two reasons.

FirstFirst, a company with many employees may be expected to , a company with many employees may be expected to have more injuries than a company with few employees. have more injuries than a company with few employees.

SecondSecond,, if the records of one company include all the injuries if the records of one company include all the injuries treated in the first aid room, while the records of a similar treated in the first aid room, while the records of a similar company include only injuries serious enough to cause lost time, company include only injuries serious enough to cause lost time, obviously the first company's total will be larger than the second obviously the first company's total will be larger than the second company's figure.company's figure.

Formulas for RatesFormulas for Rates

Incidence rates are based on the exposure of 100 full-time workers using Incidence rates are based on the exposure of 100 full-time workers using 200,000 employee-hours as the equivalent (100 employees working 40 hours 200,000 employee-hours as the equivalent (100 employees working 40 hours per week for 50 weeks per year). per week for 50 weeks per year).

An incidence rate can be computed for each category of cases or days lost An incidence rate can be computed for each category of cases or days lost depending on what number is put in the numerator of the formula. depending on what number is put in the numerator of the formula.

The denominator of the formula should be the total number of hours worked by The denominator of the formula should be the total number of hours worked by all employees during the same time period as that covered by the number of all employees during the same time period as that covered by the number of cases in the numerator.cases in the numerator.

Incidence RateIncidence Rate No. of injuries and illnesses x 200,000 No. of injuries and illnesses x 200,000 of Recordable Casesof Recordable Cases = ------------------------------------------------------------- = ------------------------------------------------------------- Total hours worked by all employees Total hours worked by all employees during period coveredduring period covered oror

No. of lost work days x 200,000 No. of lost work days x 200,000 = ------------------------------------------------------------= ------------------------------------------------------------ Total hours worked by all employees Total hours worked by all employees during period coveredduring period covered

There are two other formulas that can be used to measure the average severity of the There are two other formulas that can be used to measure the average severity of the recorded cases:recorded cases:

Total lost workdaysTotal lost workdays Average lost workdaysAverage lost workdays = -----------------------------------------------= ----------------------------------------------- Total lost workday casesTotal lost workday cases

Average daysAverage days Total days away from work Total days away from work away from work away from work = --------------------------------------------------- = --------------------------------------------------- Total days-away-from-work casesTotal days-away-from-work cases

If these numbers are small, then it is known that the cases are relatively minor. If, If these numbers are small, then it is known that the cases are relatively minor. If, however, the numbers are large, then the cases are of greater average severity and however, the numbers are large, then the cases are of greater average severity and should receive serious attention. should receive serious attention.

For exampleFor example, to calculate the incidence rate for total recordable cases at the end of , to calculate the incidence rate for total recordable cases at the end of the year, one would simply multiply the number of recordable cases by 200,000 and the year, one would simply multiply the number of recordable cases by 200,000 and divide that by the number of hours worked by all employees for the whole year.divide that by the number of hours worked by all employees for the whole year.

The incidence rates may also be interpreted as the percentage of employees who The incidence rates may also be interpreted as the percentage of employees who will suffer the degree of injury for which the rate was calculated. will suffer the degree of injury for which the rate was calculated.

That is, if the incidence rate of lost workday cases is 5.1 per 100 full-time workers, That is, if the incidence rate of lost workday cases is 5.1 per 100 full-time workers, then about 5% of the establishment's employees incurred a lost-workday injury.then about 5% of the establishment's employees incurred a lost-workday injury.

The The INCIDENCEINCIDENCE rate is really a general term. In addition to the total rate is really a general term. In addition to the total injury-illness incidence rate, we have the following; injury-illness incidence rate, we have the following;

1. Injury incidence rate1. Injury incidence rate2. Illness incidence rate2. Illness incidence rate3. Fatality incidence rate3. Fatality incidence rate4. Lost-workday-cases incidence rate (LWDI)4. Lost-workday-cases incidence rate (LWDI)5. Number-of-lost-workdays rate5. Number-of-lost-workdays rate6. Specific-hazard incidence rate6. Specific-hazard incidence rate

All of the foregoing rates use the standard 200,000 factor.All of the foregoing rates use the standard 200,000 factor.

Note the difference between rates 4 and 5 in the above mentioned Note the difference between rates 4 and 5 in the above mentioned list. list.

Rate 4 counts cases in which one or more workdays were lost or in Rate 4 counts cases in which one or more workdays were lost or in

which the worker was transferred to another job. which the worker was transferred to another job.

Rate 5 counts the total number of workdays lost or days in which the Rate 5 counts the total number of workdays lost or days in which the worker was transferred to another job.worker was transferred to another job.

In counting the number of lost workdays, the date of the injury or In counting the number of lost workdays, the date of the injury or start of illness should not be counted, even though the employee start of illness should not be counted, even though the employee may leave work for most of that day. may leave work for most of that day.

Thus, if the employee returns to his regular job and is able to Thus, if the employee returns to his regular job and is able to perform all regular duties full time on the day after the injury or perform all regular duties full time on the day after the injury or illness, no lost workdays are counted. illness, no lost workdays are counted.

The most widely recognized standard incidence rate is the lost The most widely recognized standard incidence rate is the lost workday cases incidence rate, commonly known as the LWDI. workday cases incidence rate, commonly known as the LWDI.

A somewhat surprising characteristic of the LWDI is that it considers A somewhat surprising characteristic of the LWDI is that it considers injuries only — not illnesses. injuries only — not illnesses.

Illnesses are more difficult to track than injuries because there are Illnesses are more difficult to track than injuries because there are often time delays in their diagnosis. Also, it is more difficult to prove often time delays in their diagnosis. Also, it is more difficult to prove work-relatedness for chronic exposures, which may have a variety work-relatedness for chronic exposures, which may have a variety of simultaneous causes. of simultaneous causes.

Because it is based on clear evidence that LWDI is considered a Because it is based on clear evidence that LWDI is considered a more precise and healthy measure of the effectiveness of the firm’s more precise and healthy measure of the effectiveness of the firm’s overall safety and health program. overall safety and health program.

Finally, the LWDI does not include fatalities, whether they are by Finally, the LWDI does not include fatalities, whether they are by illness or injury. illness or injury.

Fatalities should always be considered a rare occurrence of serious Fatalities should always be considered a rare occurrence of serious importance and as such should not be averaged among the more importance and as such should not be averaged among the more common injury statistics on which the LWDI is based.common injury statistics on which the LWDI is based.

CASE STUDYCASE STUDY

A metal products fabrication and assembly plant employs 250 workers and has the following injury-A metal products fabrication and assembly plant employs 250 workers and has the following injury-illness experience for the year.illness experience for the year.

File 1/January 31File 1/January 31: Press-blanking operator scratches hand from punch press; first aid received, : Press-blanking operator scratches hand from punch press; first aid received, no medical treatment; worker remains on the job.no medical treatment; worker remains on the job.

File 2/February 19File 2/February 19: Maintenance worker, not wearing eye protection, operating grinding machine : Maintenance worker, not wearing eye protection, operating grinding machine in tool room, incurs eye injury from flying chip; medical treatment required; injury occurs on in tool room, incurs eye injury from flying chip; medical treatment required; injury occurs on Tuesday, employee returns to regular job at regular time on Thursday.Tuesday, employee returns to regular job at regular time on Thursday.

File 3/February 27File 3/February 27: Assembly worker becomes “ill” due to noxious odors from remodeling : Assembly worker becomes “ill” due to noxious odors from remodeling operation in the assembly area; receives permission from supervisor to take the rest of the day operation in the assembly area; receives permission from supervisor to take the rest of the day off; does not go to a doctor or clinic; reports to regular work on time the next day.off; does not go to a doctor or clinic; reports to regular work on time the next day.

File 4/March 2File 4/March 2: Sewing machine operator’s right ring finger pulled into unguarded drive belt pulley : Sewing machine operator’s right ring finger pulled into unguarded drive belt pulley on sewing machine; small fracture revealed by X ray; splint applied; worker returns to regular on sewing machine; small fracture revealed by X ray; splint applied; worker returns to regular work at regular time the next day.work at regular time the next day.

File 5/March 19File 5/March 19: Dockworker sprains ankle on loading dock; moved to office job for two : Dockworker sprains ankle on loading dock; moved to office job for two workweeks.workweeks.

File 6/May 2File 6/May 2: Maintenance worker entangles finger in rope as winch is released; taken to clinic for : Maintenance worker entangles finger in rope as winch is released; taken to clinic for X ray; no fractures found; no treatment; worker returns to regular work the next day.X ray; no fractures found; no treatment; worker returns to regular work the next day.

File 7/June 7File 7/June 7: Yard worker exposed to poison ivy while clearing weeds in tank-farm area behind : Yard worker exposed to poison ivy while clearing weeds in tank-farm area behind plant; Rash develops; treated with steroid drug by prescription; no time lost.plant; Rash develops; treated with steroid drug by prescription; no time lost.

File 8/July 6File 8/July 6: Assembly worker loses two workdays getting better from severe allergic reaction to : Assembly worker loses two workdays getting better from severe allergic reaction to stings incurred while cleaning out his attic at home; medical treatment with prescription drugs.stings incurred while cleaning out his attic at home; medical treatment with prescription drugs.

File 9/August 4File 9/August 4: Maintenance worker using ungrounded portable electric drill to repair equipment : Maintenance worker using ungrounded portable electric drill to repair equipment in assembly area is electrocuted. in assembly area is electrocuted. Date of death: August 4Date of death: August 4..

File 10/August 7File 10/August 7: Loaded pallet in loading dock area falls from forklift on dock- worker’s left foot; : Loaded pallet in loading dock area falls from forklift on dock- worker’s left foot; worker examined in hospital emergency room and X ray revealed no fractures or other injuries; worker examined in hospital emergency room and X ray revealed no fractures or other injuries; worker receives therapy and goes home; worker reports back to his regular job on time the next worker receives therapy and goes home; worker reports back to his regular job on time the next day and wears his company-issued safety shoes.day and wears his company-issued safety shoes.

File 11/August 9File 11/August 9: Maintenance worker in the tool room incurs injury from foreign object in the eye; : Maintenance worker in the tool room incurs injury from foreign object in the eye; irrigation method used to remove foreign object, worker returns to regular job.irrigation method used to remove foreign object, worker returns to regular job.

File 12/September 11File 12/September 11: Worker in final assembly diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) : Worker in final assembly diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) from repetitive work; surgery prescribed; worker misses three weeks of work before returning to from repetitive work; surgery prescribed; worker misses three weeks of work before returning to regular job with engineering improvements to the workstation.regular job with engineering improvements to the workstation.

ANALYSISANALYSIS

The first step is to complete the OSHA 300 Log of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.The first step is to complete the OSHA 300 Log of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.

File 1File 1 The key word is “first aid.” This case is not recordable. The key word is “first aid.” This case is not recordable. File 2File 2 This is a lost-workdays injury case. Do not count the date of injury (Tuesday). Do This is a lost-workdays injury case. Do not count the date of injury (Tuesday). Do

not count Thursday either because the worker returned to work at the regular time. Only not count Thursday either because the worker returned to work at the regular time. Only one day was lost. one day was lost.

File 3File 3 This case is not recordable. The worker felt “ill,” but there was no medical This case is not recordable. The worker felt “ill,” but there was no medical treatment, and although the worker left work one afternoon. The worker returned to work treatment, and although the worker left work one afternoon. The worker returned to work on time the next day, so no lost time is counted.on time the next day, so no lost time is counted.

File 4File 4 This is a recordable injury, as the X ray was positive, revealing a fracture, which is This is a recordable injury, as the X ray was positive, revealing a fracture, which is always recordable. The worker returned to her regular work at the regular time the next always recordable. The worker returned to her regular work at the regular time the next day, however, so no time was lost. day, however, so no time was lost.

File 5File 5 This is a lost time injury. Even though the worker returned to work, he was This is a lost time injury. Even though the worker returned to work, he was assigned to a different job, so OSHA’s position is that the days at the restricted work assigned to a different job, so OSHA’s position is that the days at the restricted work activity count as lost workdays. activity count as lost workdays.

File 6File 6 Unlike File 4, the X ray in this case was negative. Since there was no fracture and Unlike File 4, the X ray in this case was negative. Since there was no fracture and no medical treatment and the worker returned to the same job the next day on time, this no medical treatment and the worker returned to the same job the next day on time, this case is not recordable.case is not recordable.

File 7File 7 Poison ivy from on-the-job exposure is classified as an occupational illness and is Poison ivy from on-the-job exposure is classified as an occupational illness and is identified “Skin Disorder.”identified “Skin Disorder.”

File 8File 8 Incidents occurring off the job are not recordable. Incidents occurring off the job are not recordable. File 9File 9 This is an injury-type fatality and should be recorded. This is an injury-type fatality and should be recorded. File 10File 10 The negative X ray and whirlpool therapy during the first visit to medical The negative X ray and whirlpool therapy during the first visit to medical

personnel are both considered first aid not medical treatment. This case is not personnel are both considered first aid not medical treatment. This case is not recordable.recordable.

File 11File 11 Since the irrigation method was used and the object was not embedded in the Since the irrigation method was used and the object was not embedded in the eye, this eye injury is considered a first-aid case and is thus not recordable.eye, this eye injury is considered a first-aid case and is thus not recordable.

File 12File 12 Because CTS is due to “repeated motion,” it is classified as a illness. This is a Because CTS is due to “repeated motion,” it is classified as a illness. This is a recordable lost time illness. The lost time is in the days-away-from-work category.recordable lost time illness. The lost time is in the days-away-from-work category.

Calculation of Incidence Rates:Calculation of Incidence Rates:

2 x 200,0002 x 200,000LWDI (injuries only) = ------------------------------ = 0.8LWDI (injuries only) = ------------------------------ = 0.8

250 x 2000250 x 2000

3 x 200,0003 x 200,000Injury incidence rate = ------------------------------- = 1.2Injury incidence rate = ------------------------------- = 1.2

250 x 2000250 x 2000

2 x 200,0002 x 200,000Illness incidence rate = ------------------------------ = 0.8Illness incidence rate = ------------------------------ = 0.8

250 x 2000250 x 2000

1 x 200,0001 x 200,000 Fatality incidence rate = ----------------------------- = 0.4Fatality incidence rate = ----------------------------- = 0.4 250 x 2000250 x 2000

26 x 200,00026 x 200,000 Number-of-lost-workdays rate = ---------------------- = 10.4Number-of-lost-workdays rate = ---------------------- = 10.4 250 x 2000250 x 2000

Specific-hazard Specific-hazard 1 x 200,000 1 x 200,000 incidence rate (eye injuries) = ------------------------- = 0.4incidence rate (eye injuries) = ------------------------- = 0.4

250 x 2000250 x 2000

Some explanation for the Case StudySome explanation for the Case Study

The LWDI is calculated in a prescribed way that excludes all The LWDI is calculated in a prescribed way that excludes all fatalities and all illnesses, regardless of whether time was or fatalities and all illnesses, regardless of whether time was or was not lost. was not lost.

Remember that the LWDI is an Remember that the LWDI is an incidence rateincidence rate and should not and should not be confused with the number-of-lost-workdays rate. be confused with the number-of-lost-workdays rate.

In the specific-hazard incidence rate calculation, only one eye In the specific-hazard incidence rate calculation, only one eye injury (File 2) was included in the calculation. The File 11 eye injury (File 2) was included in the calculation. The File 11 eye injury satisfied the definition of first aid and thus, as a non injury satisfied the definition of first aid and thus, as a non recordable injury, was excluded from the calculation.recordable injury, was excluded from the calculation.

The 250-employee firm in Case Study provides sufficient data The 250-employee firm in Case Study provides sufficient data to show meaningful calculations for the various incidence rates. to show meaningful calculations for the various incidence rates. But many firms are much smaller. But many firms are much smaller.

For very small firms, the calculations are obviously For very small firms, the calculations are obviously inappropriate. Recognizing that the general injury-illness inappropriate. Recognizing that the general injury-illness recordkeeping system was designed for larger firms. recordkeeping system was designed for larger firms.