Which of the following incidents is NOT reportable to the Department of Labor?

• A. A laboratorian with a persistent cough that is only triggered at work
• B. A laboratorian that experienced a chemical burn
• C. A laboratorian that tripped in the lab and hit her head on the lab bench rendering her unconscious
• D. A laboratorian that forgot to wear his lab coat and gloves while diluting patient serum

Answer: (D)

OSHA reporting hinges on whether a work-related incident causes injury or illness or requires medical treatment beyond first aid, or falls into one of the immediate-reporting categories (like death or hospital admission). The incident where a laboratorian forgot to wear a lab coat and gloves while diluting patient serum does not involve injury or illness, and no medical treatment is described. Without harm or treatment beyond first aid, it isn’t something that must be reported to the Department of Labor. By contrast, a chemical burn typically constitutes an injury that requires medical care, a trip and head impact with unconsciousness is a serious injury, and a work-related illness (like a cough that is diagnosed as an occupational illness or requires more than first-aid treatment) can be reportable depending on the situation. So the PPE lapse is the one not reportable under these criteria.