The OSHA Form 301, also known as the Injury and Illness Incident Report, documents workplace injuries and illnesses in detail. It works alongside the OSHA 300 Log, providing specifics about what happened, the type of injury or illness, and the medical care given. Employers use it to track safety trends, meet legal requirements, and identify risks to prevent future incidents.
OSHA Form 300 vs. Form 301: What’s the difference?
Both forms are part of OSHA’s recordkeeping rules, but they serve different purposes:
- OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses): A summary log where employers record all work-related injuries and illnesses that meet OSHA’s criteria. It includes basic details like the employee’s name, injury type, and lost workdays.
- OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report): A more detailed report for each recorded incident. It includes the injured employee’s information, a description of what happened, and any immediate medical treatment.
Think of Form 301 as the full incident report that backs up the summary details in Form 300.
What incidents need to be recorded on OSHA Form 301?
Not every workplace injury or illness has to be documented. Employers must record incidents that meet OSHA’s reporting criteria, including:
- Work-related fatalities
- Injuries requiring time off, restricted duties, or job transfers
- Loss of consciousness
- Medical treatment beyond first aid
- Significant work-related illnesses or injuries diagnosed by a healthcare professional
Minor incidents, like cuts that only need a bandage, don’t have to be recorded. But if an injury leads to medical treatment, lost workdays, or other serious effects, it must go on Form 301.
Who’s exempt from OSHA 300 reporting?
Not all employers have to maintain OSHA 300 logs and related forms. There are two main exemptions:
- Small Businesses: Companies with 10 or fewer employees throughout the year are generally exempt. However, they still have to report serious incidents like fatalities or hospitalizations.
- Low-Hazard Industries: Businesses in industries considered low-risk—like retail stores, insurance agencies, and schools—may be exempt from routine OSHA 300 reporting. OSHA determines exemptions based on NAICS codes.
Even exempt businesses must report severe workplace incidents, including fatalities, in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss, within OSHA’s required time frame.