By: Holly Pups, CSP, MSP – STC Senior Regulatory Analyst and Project Manager
Maintaining OSHA 300 Logs is a critical requirement for employers to track workplace injuries and illnesses. Accurate completion and timely posting of these OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 forms is essential for compliance with OSHA regulations. Below are answers to common questions about these recordkeeping, postings, and electronic submission requirements.
1. What are the OSHA 300 logs?
The OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs are used to track and report workplace injuries and illnesses:
• OSHA 300 Log – A detailed record of work-related injuries and illnesses, including the employee’s name, date of injury, description, and classification (e.g., lost time, restricted duty).
• OSHA 300A – A yearly summary of the 300 Log, showing total injuries, lost workdays, and hours worked. It must be posted from February 1 – April 30 in a visible location.
• OSHA 301 – A detailed incident report for each recordable injury or illness, including how and why it occurred.
2. Who is required to maintain an OSHA 300 Log?
Unless specifically exempted, all employers with 10 or more employees must maintain OSHA 300 Logs.
Certain low-risk industries, such as specific types of retail, finance, and service businesses, may be exempt. However, it is vital to note that all employers must report all amputations, in-patient hospitalizations, losses of an eye, and fatalities directly to OSHA, even if exempt from maintaining the OSHA 300 log.
3. What incidents must be recorded on the OSHA 300 Log?
Employers must record work-related injuries and illnesses that result in:
• Death
• Days away from work
• Restricted work or job transfers
• Medical treatment beyond first aid
• Loss of consciousness
• Needle sticks, tuberculosis exposure, and standard threshold shifts in hearing loss
4. How do I differentiate between a recordable and a non-recordable incident?
If an injury only requires first aid, such as cleaning a wound, using a bandage, or applying non-prescription doses of medication, it does not need to be recorded. However, if the injury does require treatment beyond first aid, as listed above, it is recordable.
5. When and where should the OSHA 300A Summary be posted?
Employers must post the OSHA 300A Summary, which is a yearly summary of workplace injuries and illnesses, from February 1 to April 30 in a visible location where employees can easily access it, such as a breakroom or bulletin board.
6. What information is included in the OSHA 300A Summary?
The OSHA 300A Summary includes:
• The total number of work-related injuries and illnesses
• The total number of days away from work and restricted job transfers
• The total number of cases for each injury type
• The company’s name, address, and industry classification
• A company executive’s signature verifying its accuracy
7. How long must OSHA 300 Logs be maintained?
Employers must keep OSHA 300 Logs, the OSHA 300A Summary, and any related records for five years. During this time, OSHA may request these records for review by mail or during an inspection.
8. Do I need to submit my OSHA 300A Summary electronically?
Certain employers are required to submit their OSHA 300A Summary electronically to OSHA through the Injury Tracking Application (ITA) These include:
• Employers with 250 or more employees are required to keep records (unless specifically exempted by Appendix A to Subpart B of OSHA’s recordkeeping regulation of 29 CFR Part 1904).
• Employers with 20-249 employees in designated high-risk industries such as manufacturing, utilities, grocery stores, and construction as listed in Appendix A to Subpart E of 29 CFR Part 1904.
Note: If you miss the deadline for submission, submit it as soon as possible.
9. Do I also need to submit my OSHA 301 Injury and Illness Incident Report electronically?
Employers with 100 or more employees in specific high-risk industries—such as agricultural operations, food manufacturing, meat/wood manufacturing and processing—must submit their OSHA 301 forms along with the required OSHA 300A summary, as outlined in Appendix B to Subpart E of 29 CFR Part 1904. Before submission, any personally identifiable information must be removed from the OSHA 301 forms.
10. When are electronic submissions to OSHA’s ITA due?
All electronic submissions should be completed by March 2 for the previous calendar year. For example, your 2024 data should be submitted by March 2, 2025. Note that if you miss the deadline, submit the information as soon as possible.
11. What should I do if I discover an error in a previously submitted or posted log?
Employers must correct any errors in their OSHA 300 Log as soon as they are identified. If an error is found on a posted OSHA 300A Summary, update the document and repost it with a clear note indicating the correction. You are not required to update OSHA 300A Summary information that has already been electronically submitted.
12. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Failure to maintain, accurately complete, or post the OSHA 300 Log and Summary can result in OSHA citations and fines. In 2025, penalties can be assessed for up to $16,550 per violation.
13. How can I ensure compliance with OSHA recordkeeping requirements?
• Train personnel responsible for maintaining the OSHA 300 Log.
• Conduct regular audits of recordkeeping practices.
• Use OSHA’s recordkeeping forms and online resources.
• Stay updated with any changes to OSHA regulations.
• Reach out to us at Specialty Technical Consultants for assistance!
By maintaining accurate records and posting the OSHA 300A Summary as required, employers can remain compliant while promoting workplace transparency and safety.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Holly Pups at: [email protected].
Holly has 15 years of experience as a highly skilled and dedicated safety professional. As a former OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) at the NC Department of Labor, Holly played a crucial role in identifying workplace hazards, investigating severe accidents and fatalities, guiding businesses through compliance inspections, and evaluating safety and health programs. She has implemented a wide range of programs, including ergonomics, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, confined space, hazard communication, biosafety, bloodborne pathogens, and emergency response. She produced customized EHS training programs including new employee EHS orientation.
