Members of the Physical Therapy community who work closely with Employers for risk management and injury prevention now have OSHA clarification regarding a previously issued policy.  Per the Physical Therapists’ OHSIG  (Occupational Health Special Interest Group) Newsletter Q3 2018 published on line July 23, 2019, “The OSHA response establishes physical therapists (PTs) among the providers able to perform soft tissue interventions as first aid in work settings.  They have determined that massage when performed by a physical therapist does not make the employee injury an OSHA recordable injury!”

This is good news for therapists who wish to or are currently working with Employers and their Employees for increasing worker safety and decreasing work injuries.  Therapists in Occupational Health frequently provide recommendations for remediation of issues using ergonomic changes, postural changes, and work modifications.  The question in the past that has now been clarified relates to ‘soft tissue massage’ – which OSHA has qualified as fitting into the category of first aid for record keeping purposes and thereby allows physical therapists to administer.

OSHA issued a letter of interpretation on May 23, 2019 to clarify these points:

• For record-keeping purposes, soft tissue massage is categorized as first aid
• In section 1904.7(b)(5)(ii), first aid treatments include soft tissue massage, regardless of the certifications or professional status of the individual providing the treatment

When is a Work-Related Illness or Soft Tissue Injury a ‘Recordable’ Illness or Injury?

These guidelines drew a clear line: If a work-related illness or soft tissue injury occurs, it is only recorded when certain treatment criteria are met:

• Medical services are required that exceed first aid services
• The person needs to take time away from work
• A job transfer is required or work restrictions are needed

This information is recorded in Part 1904 of OSHA recordkeeping regulations.

Our team at KEY Functional Assessments Network is your source for therapists looking to offer services to Employers. For more information about the ways you can leverage our system to support your business and career efforts, contact us to learn more.