Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q61

Company BBQ: is it recordable?

Verdict: Not recordable
Published 2020-06-28

Question

During normal working hours on a Friday, an oil/gas equipment company is taking time to celebrate an achievement by having a BBQ cookout. An employee cuts himself with a knife while cutting meat for his sandwich. The laceration is cleaned and two stitches are applied by the onsite nurse. Is it recordable?

Answer

NO. OSHA lists an exception for food (or drink) preparation for personal consumption. The employee was preparing food that he intended on consuming for the lunch celebration.
1904.5(b)(2) Are there situations where an injury or illness occurs in the work environment and is not considered work-related? Yes, an injury or illness occurring in the work environment that falls under one of the following exceptions is not work-related, and therefore is not recordable.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/interlinking/standards/1904.5(b)(2)

Illustration for the scenario: Company BBQ
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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.