As COVID-19 vaccines become widely available across the country, questions linger as more workers consider opting for the vaccine. For example, if an employee receives a vaccine and then exhibits a reaction while on the job, is that a recordable illness under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements in 29 CFR 1904?
To clarify this for employers, OSHA recently added an answer to this question on its
COVID-19 FAQ webpage:
“…OSHA will not enforce 29 CFR 1904’s recording requirements to require any employers to record worker side effects from COVID-19 vaccination through May 2022.”
Therefore, vaccine side effects do not currently need to be recorded on Form 300 logs, even if they meet the definition of a work-related illness. OSHA will continue to monitor vaccination rates and reported side effects, and may change this guidance in May 2022 or after.
Is COVID-19 a Recordable Work-related Illness?
Normally, illnesses contracted in the workplace are recordable if they are new cases that are work-related and result in medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work, or other criteria in 29 CFR 1904.7. COVID-19 is no different.
Employers must record work-related cases of COVID-19 illness on their Form 300 logs if the following requirements are met:
1. The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19;
2. The case is work-related (as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5); and
3. The case involves one or more relevant recording criteria.
Hospitalizations: Employers must report a hospitalization related to COVID-19 if it occurs within 24 hours of the SARS-CoV-2 workplace exposure.
Deaths: Employers must report a fatality to OSHA if it occurs within 30 days of the SARS-CoV-2 workplace exposure.
Read more:
Is COVID-19 a Recordable Illness?
COVID-19 Safety Awareness Online Training
To help US workplaces safely resume and continue operations, Lion launched the
COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness Online Course. The course is designed to help satisfy training mandates for employees concerning COVID-19,
preparing employees to:
- Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for COVID-19.
- Describe how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted.
- Follow recommended hygiene and work protocols to prevent exposure.
- Properly use and care for PPE and face coverings, when required.
This self-paced online course is updated regularly to reflect evolving information on COVID-19 workplace exposure. As more employees nationwide return to work, it is crucial that they know how to protect themselves and their co-workers from exposure to COVID-19.
Learn more about the course.