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Casts, splints, and wraps under older medical treatment rules

Summary Under its former recordkeeping rules, OSHA classified casts, splints, and other devices immobilizing a body part as medical treatment. Wraps, wristlets, and elastic bandages that did not constrain movement were generally first aid. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1996-06-04-0
Date issued
June 4, 1996
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 First Aid
Source
View the official document

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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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 4, 1996

Linda Ballas
Linda Ballas & Associates
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Ballas:

Thank you for your letter dated May 3, requesting an OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping interpretation. The use of casts, splints or orthopedic devices designed to immobilize a body part are considered medical treatment for OSHA recordkeeping purposes. Wraps or non-constraining devices such as wristlets or elastic bandages are generally considered first aid treatment, regardless of the amount of time the device is worn or the number of visits to medical personnel made by the employee.

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

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