Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q131

Anthrax Powder: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2021-02-14

Question

Mail room employees are sorting boxes in a mail room. One employee tosses a box to the other and the box breaks causing a white powder spread throughout the air and on the faces of the employees. The employees are taken to the ER and treated with antibiotics. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES. OSHA does not provide an exclusion for injuries resulting from terrorist attacks or other violence-related injury or illnesses cases.

OSHA Directives Question 5-13: If an employee dies or is injured or infected as a result of terrorist attacks, should it be recorded on the OSHA Injury and Illness Log? Should it be reported to OSHA? Yes, injuries and illnesses that result from a terrorist event or exposure in the work environment are considered work-related for OSHA recordkeeping purposes. OSHA does not provide an exclusion for violence-related injury and illness cases, including injuries and illnesses resulting from terrorist attacks.

Illustration for the scenario: Anthrax Powder

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This is guidance based on 29 CFR Part 1904 and OSHA letters of interpretation. Facts and details may be altered or fictional. As specified by OSHA, the employer is responsible for the final recordability determination.