OSHA Recordkeeping and Workers' Compensation

Historical Legal Doctrines Governing Occupational Injuries:

• Assumption of Risk: An employee's injury was considered their own fault because they knowingly entered an industry with inherent hazards.

• Fellow Servant Rule: The employer was not held responsible if an accident was caused by another employee.

• Contributory Negligence: If the injured person was found to have hurt themselves, the employer was not at fault.

Evolution to Workers' Compensation (Workman's Comp / Workers' Comp):

• These historical laws often forced injured workers to sue their employers for compensation.

• Lawsuits were unpredictable (civil cases, jury-awarded money), creating uncertainty for both parties.

• Agreement: Employers agreed to offer