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Back Muscle Strain
Question: Early in the work week, an employee alleges tightness and mild pain in his back after pushing a heavy cart in a warehouse. The employee is seen by the onsite nurse who discusses conservative treatment options before visiting the doctor. The employee agrees he is not in enough pain to be seen by the doctor and follows the nurse’s instructions for over-the-counter naproxen along with daily massage treatments in the first aid office. The employee continues his normal duties and the treatment seemed to be paying off by the end of the week. Is it recordable?
Answer: NO. The nurse provided the employee over-the-counter treatment and massages to heal the mild injury. Both treatments are first aid only.
1904.7(b)(5)(ii)
What is "first aid"? For the purposes of Part 1904, \"first aid\" means the following:
1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Using a non-prescription medication at nonprescription strength (for medications available in both prescription and non-prescription form, a recommendation by a physician or other licensed health care professional to use a non-prescription medication at prescription strength is considered medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes);
1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(M)
Using massages (physical therapy or chiropractic treatment are considered medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes)