Former injury log treatment of surgery and furlough days

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

August 1, 1994

Mr. Roy E. Gibbs
Acting Director
Office of Occupational Safety
Department of Energy
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Gibbs:

Thank you for your letter dated July 18, requesting clarification regarding the recording of an illness involving lost workdays on the OSHA 200 Log. Based upon the facts presented in your letter, the case should include 220 days of restricted work activity and 1 day away from work. It is apparent that on the day of the first surgery (to the right wrist) the employee did not perform any work even though he or she was required to "clock in" before reporting to the hospital. Because no work was performed, the day must be recorded as a day away from work and not as a day of restricted work activity.

Termination or suspension of employment may stop the count of lost workdays only if unrelated to the employee's injury or illness. If the employee's furlough, as described in your letter, was in any way related to his or her wrist problems, the lost workdays must be counted. If the employee would have been furloughed regardless of the illness, the days need not be counted.

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any further questions, please contact us at Area Code (202) 219-6463.

Sincerely,
Bob Whitmore
Chief
Division of Recordkeeping Requirements