The OSHA regulations at 1904.5 define a work-related injury as an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness that causes a need for medical treatment and/or time away from work. The definition of work-relatedness also extends to telecommuting.
Work-relatedness for injuries and illness resulting from events or exposures in the work environment is presumed unless an exemption, found in 1904.5(b)(2), specifically applies. The “work environment” not only includes the place of employment it also includes other locations where one or more employees are working or are present as a condition of their employment. This includes employees working at home.
In order for an employee to be able to make a workers’ compensation claim and participate in employer-sponsored work conditioning programs at our office, the injury must first not only be classified as work-related but also recordable.
The injury is considered recordable if meets the general criteria of OSHA’s definition of work-relatedness and it results in:
- Death.
- Days away from work.
- Restricted work activity.
- Transfer to another job.
- Medical treatment beyond first aid.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Significant injury or illness diagnosed by a health professional.
You Can Choose Who Treats Your Workers’ Comp Injury
Did you know that you can choose where you receive your physical therapy treatment? Many times, workers’ comp physicians will refer injured workers for physical therapy at one point or another in your recovery process. They generally will refer you to a therapist within their network. But, you have the right to go to a therapist that you choose. We have a lot of experience treating workers’ comp injuries and will work closely with your employer and workers’ comp physicians to assure you receive the best care and can return safely to work or attain the highest level of independence with activities of daily living.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1904.5 – Determination of work-relatedness.
To learn more about workers’ comp and our work conditioning program, please give us a call.
