Guide to OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements

By: Libby Reed 
Risk Solutions Specialist

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) recordkeeping and reporting rule require many employers to maintain records of serious worker injuries and illnesses. Some injuries must also be reported directly to OSHA. This guide provides an overview of how employers can comply with the rule. 

Please note that this guide does not include all of OSHA’s requirements, and employers should reference 29 C.F.R. Part 1904 to ensure they are in compliance. 

Which work-related injuries and illnesses must be recorded? 

• Any fatality 
• Any injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job 
• Any injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid 
• Any diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, or punctured eardrums 

Who is required to record injuries and illnesses? 

Many employers with more than ten employees fall within the recordkeeping requirements. However, some low-risk industries are partially exempt (view the exemptions here). All employers are required to report workplace incidents that result in a fatality, hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.  

How long must records be maintained?

Employers are required to maintain records at the worksite for at least five years. 

Which forms are used for recordkeeping? 

Employers can access recordkeeping forms 300, 300A, and 301 here. 

What are the posting requirements?

Each February through April, employers must post a summary of the previous year’s recorded injuries and illnesses. Employers must also provide a copy of the records if a current or former employee or their representatives request it. 

Which severe injuries must employers report to OSHA?

All employers are required to report workplace incidents that result in a fatality, hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. 

How long do employers have to report severe injuries?

Employers must report any worker fatality within eight hours and any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization within 24 hours. 

How can employers report an incident to OSHA?

Employers can make a report by calling their nearest OSHA office, calling the OSHA 24-hour hotline at +1.800.321.6742, or reporting online. For more information regarding OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements, please visit https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/.  

Sources 
Code of Federal Regulations - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1904  
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/