Written by Duane Freyberger, Vice President, Client Strategy | Safety Management Group
When it comes to workplace safety, record keeping isn’t just a box to check. It’s a fundamental part of a company’s responsibility to protect its people and comply with the law. The OSHA 300 Log is a key component of that responsibility. Understanding how to prepare, maintain, and post your OSHA logs ensures your organization stays compliant and keeps employees safe.
What is the Purpose of the 300 Log?
The OSHA 300 Log serves a clear purpose: it’s a written record of work-related injuries and illnesses that occur within a business. By documenting these incidents, OSHA and employers can analyze trends, spot hazards, and take steps to prevent future injuries.
This log also provides transparency, giving workers access to crucial safety information and holding employers accountable for creating a safe work environment. More than just a requirement, the 300 Log is a tool for building a culture of safety rooted in real-world data.
What are the Recordkeeping Requirements?
Employers in specific industries and all employers with more than 10 employees are required to record serious work-related injuries and illnesses. Minor injuries requiring only first aid do not need to be logged. However, anything involving days away from work, restricted duty, loss of consciousness, or medical treatment beyond first aid must be documented.
Accurate recordkeeping is more than a good habit—it’s a regulatory obligation. Employers must ensure that records are complete, correct, and readily available for review by OSHA or employees upon request. Training the staff responsible for maintaining OSHA logs is key to avoiding errors and ensuring compliance.
OSHA Forms and Logs
OSHA uses three primary forms to support its injury and illness recordkeeping system. Each has a distinct purpose, and all must be used properly to meet OSHA 300 log requirements.
Form 301
OSHA Form 301 is the Injury and Illness Incident Report. It captures the details of each individual incident, including what happened, how it occurred, and the medical outcome. Think of it as a supporting document for the 300 Log—it provides the story behind the summary.
For each recordable incident, a new Form 301 must be completed within seven calendar days. Employers can use an equivalent form as long as it contains the same information.
300 Log
The OSHA 300 Log is the actual log of work-related injuries and illnesses. It’s a running record used to classify incidents by type, record the severity, and track details like days away from work or restricted duties.
Each line on the 300 Log represents a single case. It’s essential for identifying injury patterns, which can inform safety programs and hazard mitigation strategies.
300A Log
Form 300A is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. Unlike the 300 Log, this form does not list employee names or incident details. Instead, it provides aggregate totals and is used primarily for posting.
Every year, employers must post a completed 300A summary form from February 1 to April 30 in a visible location. This public display gives employees insight into the company’s safety performance.
How Long to Keep OSHA 300 Logs?
Employers are required to retain OSHA 300 Logs, 300A summaries, and 301 forms for five years following the end of the calendar year they cover. During this time, the logs must be updated if new information comes to light or changes occur.
Maintaining these records is critical not only for compliance but also for internal safety reviews, audits, and strategic planning. Accurate logs help companies track long-term trends and improve performance.
When Do OSHA Logs Need to be Posted?
The OSHA 300A Summary must be posted annually from February 1 through April 30. This applies even if no recordable injuries or illnesses occurred during the year.
Employers covered by the electronic submission rule must also submit their Form 300A data to OSHA electronically by March 2 of the following year. Failure to comply with posting or submission rules can result in significant penalties.
Get Help With OSHA Compliance
OSHA compliance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about creating a workplace where people can thrive safely. Safety Management Group offers OSHA compliance support, recordkeeping guidance, and OSHA 300 training to help organizations meet their obligations confidently and effectively.
Whether you need help developing systems, training your team, or reviewing your logs for accuracy, SMG is here to support your safety journey. Let our team of safety professionals help you turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
