The Definition of OSHA 300 Log

Definition of OSHA 300 Log

The OSHA 300 Log, formally the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, is the form covered employers use to record every work-related injury and illness that meets OSHA's recording criteria under 29 CFR Part 1904. Each entry lists the employee, job title, date, location, a description of the case and its outcome, such as days away from work, job transfer or restriction. At year end, the log is totaled to produce the OSHA Form 300A annual summary.

Key Facts About the OSHA 300 Log

• Cases must be entered within 7 calendar days of the employer learning about them.
• A case is recordable if it results in death, days away from work, restricted work or job transfer, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant diagnosed injury or illness.
• Each establishment keeps its own log, and logs must be retained for five years.
• Privacy concern cases, such as sexual assaults or mental illnesses, are entered as "privacy case" instead of the worker's name.
• Employers with 10 or fewer employees, or in certain low-hazard industries, are partially exempt.

Example of the OSHA 300 Log

A warehouse worker cuts a hand and needs stitches at an urgent care clinic. Because stitches are medical treatment beyond first aid, the safety coordinator enters the case on the 300 Log within seven days and completes an OSHA Form 301 incident report for it.

How to Keep an Accurate 300 Log

1. Train supervisors to report every injury and illness promptly.
2. Decide work-relatedness and recordability using the 1904 criteria.
3. Enter cases within 7 calendar days and update them as outcomes change.
4. Count days away and restricted days accurately, capped at 180 days.
5. Review the log before completing the annual 300A summary.

See how SafetyIQ's incident management software helps keep injury records organized.

Related Terms

• Annual Summary (OSHA Form 300A)
• OSHA Form 301 Incident Report
• Recordable Incident
• Medical Treatment Case

Frequently Asked Questions: OSHA 300 Log

Who has to keep an OSHA 300 Log?

Most employers with more than 10 employees in industries not listed as partially exempt must keep the log for each establishment.

Is first aid recorded on the 300 Log?

No. Cases needing only first aid, as defined in 1904.7, such as bandages or non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength, are not recordable.

Can employees see the 300 Log?

Yes. Current and former employees and their representatives have the right to access the log, and employers must provide a copy by the end of the next business day after a request.