CLASSIFYING INJURIES

CHEISER

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 02-06-02 AT 12:58PM (CST)[/font][p]According to the latest OSHA information regarding record keeping, "An injury is any wound or damage to the body resulting from an event in the work environment." "Examples: Cut, puncture, laceration, abrasion, fracture, bruise, contusion, chipped tooth, amputation, inssect bite, electrocution, or a thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation burn. Sprain and strain injuries to muscles, joints, and connective tissues are classified as injuries when they result from a slip, trip, fall or other similar accidents." This does not seem to include "My wrist hurts." Is an employer liable to provide treatment for this condition?

OhioSmallEmployer

When I make out my OSHA log, um, I mean fill in my OSHA log within the stated time period after an injury.. I get out my workers compensation files. I go through each one and decide if it's considered a Reportable Incident. Someone who files a company incident report saying their wrist hurts and thats it; 1) hasn't had medical treatment beyond first aid, and 2) the wrist hurting hasn't been determined to a work related injury.

Theresa Gegen TX

Often times the "my wrist hurts" is a precurser to carpel tunnel (or other repetitive stress injuries). You might want to have your safety people look at the job and see if this type of injury is a risk. If it is, you may want to look at how you can eliminate the risk. I have worked on several carpel tunnel cases where the worker's comp commission has found the employer liable. It always started as a "my wrist hurts." So if you can give the employee some help to stop it from progressing (for example, modify the work station or a supportive wrist brace, you should do so.

Good Luck!

CHEISER

Is the employer required to provide medical treatment through their designated medical provider just as if this was an injury from an accident?