Is It Recordable? COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

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. 
 

Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, osha, workplace safety