February 9, 2026

US Department of Labor issues letter of interpretation on recording workplace injuries related to lithium-ion batteries

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a letter of interpretation clarifying whether injuries resulting from the use of personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in the workplace should be recorded as work-related on the OSHA Forms 300, 301, and 300-A or equivalent forms.

If a work-related injury caused by a lithium-ion battery meets one or more of the general recording criteria in Section 1904.7 of the Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses standard, it must be recorded on the OSHA logs.

The letter addresses recordkeeping requirements and highlights the growing need for awareness of safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in workplace environments. These batteries can pose safety and health risks to workers during manufacturing, usage, emergency response, disposal, and recycling. Potential risks include fires, explosions, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Safety measures employers can take include implementing hazard controls during battery design and production; ensuring proper ventilation; storing batteries in cool, dry locations; monitoring storage areas for flammable and toxic gases; using designated recycling facilities for disposal; and providing safety showers and eyewash stations when handling battery materials.

A Letter of Interpretation is OSHA's official response to questions about how its requirements apply to specific workplace situations or hazards. They cannot create additional employer obligations. Each letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. These letters can help stakeholders understand how to comply with Federal OSHA standards, regulations, and section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in specific workplace situations.

In June, the Department of Labor launched its opinion letter program, which expands the department's longstanding commitment to providing meaningful compliance assistance that helps workers, employers, and other stakeholders understand how federal labor laws apply in specific workplace situations.

The public is encouraged to use the division's new opinion letters page to explore past guidance and submit new requests. The division will exercise discretion in determining whether and how it will respond to each request, which will focus primarily on attempting to address issues of broad-based concern.

Learn more about OSHA and safety practices related to lithium-ion batteries.