Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Days away from work for at-home work after injury

Summary An employer asked how to count lost time after a work-related injury when the employee could work at home. OSHA said a day still counted as away from work if the employee could not report to the establishment, even if work was done at home. OSHA labels the note an archive document.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1995-06-06
Date issued
June 6, 1995
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1904 Recordkeeping Telework
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

June 6, 1995

Note For: Jim Hogue
Exxon

From: Stephen Newell
Director
OSHA Office of Statistics

Subject: OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Requirements

Per our recent telephone conversation, I am sending you this note regarding the proper recording of lost time on the OSHA 200 Log of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. If an employee suffers a work related injury or illness and is unable to report to the work establishment, the time lost must be counted as days away from work regardless of whether that employee was able to perform work at his or her personal residence. I hope you find this information useful. If you have any further questions, please contact my staff at Area Code (202) 219-6463.

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace