When must an employer keep an OSHA 300 log under 29 CFR 1904?

Short answer

An employer must keep an OSHA 300 log for five years following the end of the calendar year that these records cover.

The rule says

"You must save the OSHA 300 Log, the privacy case list (if one exists), the annual summary, and the OSHA 301 Incident Report forms for five (5) years following the end of the calendar year that these records cover." (29 CFR 1904.33(a))

In plain English

This means that employers need to maintain accurate and complete OSHA 300 logs, which include records of work-related injuries and illnesses, for a period of five years. This allows for the tracking of workplace safety trends and compliance with OSHA regulations. During this time, employers must also update the logs to reflect any changes in the classification of previously recorded injuries and illnesses or to include newly discovered recordable cases.

What to do

• Maintain OSHA 300 logs for five years.
• Update the logs as necessary to reflect changes in injury or illness classification.
• Keep the logs readily available for inspection by OSHA representatives.
• Ensure that the logs are accurate and complete, including all required information for each recordable injury or illness.