Prescription eye medication and former OSHA log entries

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 2, 1992

Donald L. Berling, M.D.
Plant Physician
Mead Paper
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Berling:

Thank you for your letter dated April 14 requesting an interpretation on recording eye injuries on the OSHA 200 Log. Please excuse the delay in our response.

We commend your practice of precautionary treatment of eye injuries and encourage a proactive approach to the prevention of minor injuries developing into more serious conditions. However, for the purpose of keeping the OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping system as simple and equitable as possible, we require that any work related injury requiring prescription medication (except a single dose administered on first visit for minor injury or discomfort) be recorded on the OSHA 200 Log. Thus, any prescription medicine actually provided regardless of the purpose for which it is given, is considered medical treatment (please see page 44 Q & A F-5 in the enclosed Recordkeeping Guidelines for Occupational Injuries and Illnesses). Following the supplemental instructions as presented in the Guidelines leads to consistent, useful records nationwide.

If you have any further questions or comments, please contact my staff at (202) 523-1463.

Sincerely,
STEPHEN A. NEWELL
Acting Director
Office of Statistics

Enclosure

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]