OSHA’s recordkeeping rule (29 CFR 1904) requires many employers to track work-related injuries and illnesses. Here’s a plain-language overview of what’s typically involved — and where employers most often go wrong.

The Core Forms

Covered employers generally maintain an OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses), a Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report) for each recordable case, and post a Form 300A (Summary) annually, typically from February 1 through April 30.

Who’s Exempt?

Some low-hazard industries and employers with 10 or fewer employees at all times during the prior year are partially exempt from routine recordkeeping — though all employers must still report severe injuries and fatalities. Exemptions and thresholds can change, so it’s worth confirming your current status rather than assuming.

Common Mistakes We See

The most frequent issues: not knowing whether a case is “recordable,” missing the annual posting window, and inconsistent documentation across job sites. A short internal process — and someone clearly responsible for it — solves most of this.