For many small business owners and safety managers, the OSHA 300 log can feel like a daunting administrative burden. However, maintaining an accurate Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses is not just a legal requirement—it is a vital tool for identifying workplace hazards and preventing future incidents.
What is the OSHA 300 Log?
The OSHA 300 log is a form used to classify work-related injuries and illnesses and note the extent and severity of each case. When an incident occurs, you must record it on the log within seven (7) calendar days of receiving information that a recordable injury or illness has occurred.
Compliance Tip
You must keep a separate OSHA 300 log for each physical establishment that is expected to be in operation for one year or longer.
Step 1: Identify the Person and the Case
Columns A through F require basic information about the employee and the incident:
- (A) Case Number: Assign a unique number to each case (e.g., 2026-01).
- (B) Employee Name: The name of the injured or ill worker.
- (C) Job Title: The employee's official job title.
- (D) Date of Injury or Onset of Illness: The exact date the incident occurred.
- (E) Where the Event Occurred: Be specific (e.g., "Loading Dock B" instead of just "Warehouse").
- (F) Describe Injury or Illness: Detail the body part affected and the object/substance that caused it (e.g., "Second-degree burn on right forearm from hot steam pipe").
Step 2: Classify the Case
You must choose ONLY ONE of the following classifications for each case, selecting the most serious outcome:
- (G) Death
- (H) Days away from work
- (I) Remained at work but on job transfer or restriction
- (J) Other recordable cases (e.g., medical treatment beyond first aid)
Compliance Tip
If a case changes severity over time (e.g., an employee initially on restricted duty is later sent home to recover), you must cross out the original classification and check the new, more severe classification.
Step 3: Enter the Number of Days
If you checked column (H) or (I), you must enter the number of days the employee was away from work or on restricted duty. Do not count the day of the injury itself. Cap the total count at 180 days per case.
Step 4: Check Injury or Illness
Finally, classify the case as an injury (Column M-1) or choose the appropriate illness category (Columns M-2 through M-6), such as Skin Disorder, Respiratory Condition, or Hearing Loss.
By keeping your OSHA 300 log accurate and up-to-date, you not only comply with federal law but also gain valuable insights into where your safety program needs improvement.