Classifying sprains and strains on injury logs

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

May 17, 1995

Patrick J. Beecher, MD
Associate Medical Director
Occupational Health and Safety
Ford Motor Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Beecher:

Thank you for your letter dated April 10, requesting an interpretation regarding the proper recording of occupational sprains and strains. As outlined in section D on page 37 of the Recordkeeping Guidelines for Occupational Injury and Illnesses, the nature of the event or exposure which caused or contributed to the case is the determining factor for distinguishing between injuries and illnesses. Injuries are caused by instantaneous events while illnesses are caused by non-instantaneous events.

Therefore, if a sprain or strain was caused by an instantaneous event, it should be recorded as an injury. If a sprain or strain was caused by a non-instantaneous event or exposure, it should be recorded as an illness (See Q&A D-3, page 38 of the Recordkeeping Guidelines). This holds true for all conditions (e.g. hearing loss, hernias, burns, etc.) except cases involving the back. Back cases should always be classified as injuries. This generalization is made to keep the recordkeeping determinations as simple and equitable as possible (See Q&A D-4, page 38 of the Recordkeeping Guidelines). Cases involving the back are the only conditions for which this generalization is made.

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

Sincerely,
Bob Whitmore
Chief
Division of Recordkeeping Requirements