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708 OSHA Recordkeeping Basics
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Purpose of the Rule

The recordkeeping and reporting rule requires employers to record and report work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses. (Section 1904.0)

Although a specific work-related injury or illness may involve some or all of these factors, a record of an injury or illness entered on the OSHA recordkeeping forms only shows three things:

  1. that an injury or illness has occurred;
  2. that the employer has determined that the case is work-related; and
  3. that the case is non-minor, i.e., that it meets one or more of the OSHA injury and illness recording criteria.

No-Fault Reporting

It's important to know that recording or reporting a work-related injury, illness, or fatality does not mean:

  • the employer or employee was at fault;
  • an OSHA rule has been violated; or
  • the employee is eligible for workers' compensation or other benefits. (Note to Section 1904.0)

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-2. A record of an injury or illness entered on the OSHA recordkeeping forms shows _____.