OSHA Guidance – When is COVID-19 a recordable illness?

Although recordkeeping requirements exempt recording of illnesses like the common cold and flu, OSHA has reminded employers that COVID-19 is a recordable illness if an employee is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties.

OSHA recordkeeping requirements at 29 CFR Part 1904 mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. Employers are only responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if all of the following are met:

1. The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see CDC information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19).
2. The case is work-related, as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5.
3. The case involves one or more of the general recording criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7 (e.g. medical treatment beyond first-aid, days away from work).

Contact any of the attorneys below or visit the OSHA website for more information.