What does “First aid (OSHA recordkeeping)” mean?
Short answer
For OSHA recordkeeping, first aid is only the care on its closed list, like bandages or cleaning a wound. First aid alone is not recordable.
Also known as: first aid treatment, first aid only
First aid or treatment
OSHA says its list is complete (29 CFR 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)). No other care counts as first aid. Anything beyond the list is medical treatment, and a case with medical treatment is recordable.
| First aid (not recordable on its own) | Medical treatment (recordable) |
|---|---|
| Non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength | Prescription medication, or non-prescription medication at prescription strength |
| Tetanus shot | Other shots, such as hepatitis B or rabies |
| Cleaning, flushing or soaking wounds; bandages, gauze, butterfly bandages or Steri-Strips | Stitches, staples or other wound-closing devices |
| Non-rigid supports such as elastic bandages and wraps | Devices with rigid stays or other ways to hold parts of the body still |
| Massage | Physical therapy or chiropractic care |
The list also has hot or cold therapy, temporary support for transport, eye patches, removing splinters or eye foreign bodies by simple means, finger guards, draining a blister and drinking fluids for heat stress.
Rules that surprise people
Who gives the care does not matter. A doctor who applies a bandage is still giving first aid. Care beyond the list is medical treatment even from a non-professional. Visits for observation or counseling, and tests like x-rays and blood tests, are not medical treatment.
Example: a cashier cuts a finger. The clinic cleans it and applies a bandage. That is first aid. If the clinic closes the cut with stitches, it is medical treatment and recordable.
Mix-up: a case can still be recordable after first aid if it involves days away, restriction or loss of consciousness.
Frequently asked questions
Are stitches first aid?
No. Stitches, staples and other wound-closing devices are medical treatment. Butterfly bandages and Steri-Strips are first aid.
Is taking ibuprofen first aid?
Yes, if it is non-prescription at non-prescription strength. At prescription strength, recommended by a licensed professional, it is medical treatment.
Is an x-ray medical treatment?
No. OSHA excludes tests like x-rays. But a broken bone found on the x-ray is a significant diagnosis, so the case is recordable.
Sources
Reviewed against the sources above on Oct 5, 2026. Rules change: confirm current requirements with the issuing body or your counsel before relying on any summary.
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