Safety managers must keep track of several OSHA recordkeeping deadlines throughout the year. The OSHA 300A Summary needs to be posted from February 1 through April 30, 2026. You should display it where employees usually see notices. This rule applies to all organizations, even those with zero recordable incidents in the previous year.
The OSHA 300 log demands documentation of every recordable injury or illness. You have seven calendar days to record the information after learning about each case. Large establishments with 100 or more employees in high-hazard industries face additional requirements. They must submit detailed case data electronically from Forms 300 and 301, along with the 300A summary. OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application accepts these submissions until March 2, 2026, for 2025 data. Your workplace safety and compliance depend on understanding these OSHA 300 log posting dates and 300A requirements.
This piece offers a practical, step-by-step timeline that helps you direct the reporting process. You’ll find clear guidance to meet all OSHA 300 reporting deadlines without stress or complications. The information serves both new safety managers and those looking to improve their recordkeeping practices.
Understanding OSHA 300, 301, and 300A Forms
OSHA’s recordkeeping system uses three key forms that document workplace injuries and illnesses together.
The Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300) tracks recordable incidents throughout the year. Each incident requires case numbers, employee details, job titles, incident information, and severity classification. You must record entries within seven calendar days after learning about a case.
The Injury and Illness Incident Report (Form 301) details each recordable case specifically. This form tracks every incident’s who, what, where, when, and how. Many companies use workers’ compensation first reports instead of Form 301 if they contain all needed information.
Your OSHA 300 Log totals appear on Form 300A as an annual summary. A company executive must verify the information’s accuracy and completeness before posting it by February 1 of the following year.
Companies must keep these forms for five years. High-hazard industry establishments with 100+ employees need to submit Forms 300, 301, and 300A data electronically by March 2 each year. Designated industry establishments with 20-249 employees only need to submit Form 300A data.
OSHA 300 Filing Timeline and Key Deadlines
OSHA recordkeeping demands attention throughout the year with several important deadlines. These critical dates help you stay compliant:
Ongoing Requirements:
- Record injuries and illnesses within 7 calendar days of notification
- Update OSHA 300 Log as needed throughout the retention period
- Report fatalities within 8 hours of learning about them
- Report hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss within 24 hours
Annual Deadlines:
- January: Finalize and review previous year’s OSHA 300 Log
- February 1: Post certified OSHA 300A in a conspicuous location
- April 30: End of mandatory OSHA 300A posting period
- March 2, 2026: Electronic submission deadline for 2025 data
Electronic Reporting Requirements:
- Establishments with 250+ employees: Submit Form 300A
- Establishments with 20-249 employees in designated industries: Submit Form 300A
- Establishments with 100+ employees in high-hazard industries: Submit Forms 300, 300A, and 301
Record Retention:
- Maintain all OSHA records for five years
A dedicated compliance calendar helps track these requirements and meet all deadlines effectively. Regular reviews of your recordkeeping practices ensure your documentation stays current. Remember that all electronic submissions must go through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA).
Step-by-Step OSHA 300 Filing Process and Common Mistakes
Filing OSHA 300 forms needs to be precise and detailed. Let me walk you through the important steps to help you avoid expensive mistakes.
You need to determine if an incident qualifies for recording – injuries requiring more than first aid must be included. The moment you learn about a recordable case, documentation must go on both your OSHA 300 Log and Form 301 within seven calendar days. Case classification changes require updates to existing entries throughout the year.
The year-end process demands a really accurate review of your OSHA 300 Log before creating your 300A summary. Your company executive – not the safety manager – must sign to certify this summary.
Safety professionals often make these common mistakes:
- Wrong calculations of days away from work (note that you must count calendar days, not just workdays)
- Displaying Form 300 instead of just the 300A summary in workplace common areas
- Thinking they’re exempt when their company had 11+ employees at any point that year
- Not keeping records for the mandatory five-year retention period
- Late submissions or missing electronic reports through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application
- Missing 300A summary posts even with zero incidents
Regular training for the core team and a centralized recordkeeping system can prevent violations that might lead to heavy fines.
