8 FAQs on OSHA 300 Reporting

OSHA 300 logs are due – but they don’t have to be intimidating. Read 8 FAQs on compliance best practices.

The February 1 deadline to post your OSHA 300 logs has arrived, and we have a few reminders to help you post your log on time and in full. Posting your logs will not only ensure compliance and help you avoid a costly fine, but it will help you identify where work-related injuries are likely to occur at your place of employment for future prevention strategies.

Each February, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to post their 300 A Form which provides a summary of all work-related injuries during the previous year. Completing this form will help you recognize where employee injuries occur and identify some potential problem areas.

1. Who is Required to Post the Log?

Keeping in mind that organizations may have several “establishments,” the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) determines whether establishments are required to keep OSHA injury and illness records on a regular basis. Many states operate their own occupational safety and health programs for private sector and/or state and local government workers. View OSHA's website for state-specific guidelines and to see how your place of employment is classified.

2. What are OSHA's Requirements?

OSHA requires employers to post Form 300 A at each operating location from February 1 through April 30. This includes all off-site locations. The log must be posted in a location where it is visible by all employees, and it must be posted even if no injuries or illnesses have been documented.

3. What Injuries/Illnesses are Reportable?

Most injuries and illnesses that happen in the workplace or are the result of workplace activity are reportable. This can include, but is not limited to, needle-sticks or cuts which can become exposed to potentially infectious materials, injuries resulting from heavy lifting, chemical exposures, etc.

4. What Injuries/Illnesses are Non-Reportable?

Non-reportable injuries/illnesses are those that require in-house first aid, but not outside medical attention. This may include the distribution of non-prescription medicine, a sprained ankle or a cold contracted outside of work.

5. How Can I Protect a Worker's Right to Privacy?

All employee names must be entered in the log unless the event involves sexual abuse/assault, private body parts, mental illness, or possible infection of HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis. If the event includes any of these exceptions, use “Privacy Case” in place of the employee's name.

6. How Do I Count Lost Days?

Counting lost days starts on the day after the injury or illness. Excluding the first day, all calendar days are counted, not just business days. So, if an employee is injured on 2/1 and returns to work on 2/8, then you'd record 6 lost days.

7. How Do I Count Time Missed because of a Job Transfer or Restriction?

If an employee is unable to return to their usual position after an injury, they may still work in a modified role with lighter duties to accommodate the injury. This section of the form is counted the same as lost days and includes every day they are not in their normal role.

8. My OSHA 300 Log Has Been Requested, Now What?

All employees and OSHA inspectors have the right to see your OSHA 300 logs. If an inspector requests the log, you have four business hours to provide it.

OSHA regulations always feel intimidating – but they don’t have to be. To learn more about best practices on keeping your facilities safe and compliant, check out our guide: Top 10 OSHA Violations and How to Avoid Them.