Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q89

Trigger Point Injections: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2020-09-27

Question

An employee trips and falls over his own feet while walking down a hallway. He is concerned he injured himself and goes to a clinic for an evaluation. The doctor provides trigger point injections for diagnostic purposes only. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES. Even though medication administered solely for diagnostic purposes would not normally trigger recordability, trigger point injections serve a dual purpose: diagnosis AND pain relief. Prescription medicine provided for pain relief is considered medical treatment beyond first aid and is therefore recordable.
Letter of Interpretation: OSHA's physicians in the Office of Occupational Medicine [stated] that although "trigger point" injections may be used diagnostically, ultimately they also provide medical treatment (pain relief). Because the medication serves these dual purposes, it does not meet the criterion of being solely used for diagnostic procedure. Therefore, when "trigger point" injections are administered, the work-related injury or illness is recordable.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2011-04-18

Illustration for the scenario: Trigger Point Injections
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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.