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August 27, 1991

MEMORANDUM FOR:     BRUCE C. BEELMAN

                   Area Director; Bismarck, North Dakota

THRU:               LEO CAREY
                   Director, Office of Field Operations

                   BYRON R. CHADWICK
                   Region VII Administrator
                   Attention: Cindi Cross
                              Region VII
                              Recordkeeping Coordinator

FROM:               STEPHEN A. NEWELL
                   Acting Director, Office of Statistics

SUBJECT:            Recordkeeping Question From John Morrell Inc.

The definition of lost workdays, restricted work activity, and medical treatment used in the meatpacking guidelines are the same as those found in the Recordkeeping Guidelines For Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. On page 42 of the recordkeeping guidelines medical treatment is defined as "any treatment, other than first aid treatment, administered to injured employees". First aid treatment is then defined as "any one-time treatment, and any follow-up visit for the purpose of observation of minor scratches, cuts, burns, splinters and so forth, which do not ordinarily require medical care". On page 43 of the recordkeeping guidelines a list containing examples of medical treatment and first aid treatment are provided.

The medical treatment/first aid lists address several of the treatments mentioned in your letter to Mr. Hairston. The use of cold compresses (including ice packs) during second or subsequent visit to medical personnel is considered medical treatment. The use of nonprescription medications (aspirin, over the counter ibuprofren, etc.) is considered first aid treatment, regardless of the quantity of such medications used. The use of prescription medications (medications for which a physician's prescription is required) is considered medical treatment if more than a single dose is used for minor injury or discomfort.

The first aid/medical treatment lists do not provide comprehensive guidance concerning the use of splints and/or wraps. The only mention of the subject is that the use of elastic bandages during first visit to medical personnel is considered first aid treatment. Our interpretation of the recordkeeping guidelines is that the use of casts, splints or orthopedic devices designed to immobilize a body part are considered medical treatment, while wraps or non-constraining devices such as wristlets are considered first aid treatment, regardless of how long or how often they are used.