OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAMedium
Under what circumstances is an employer required to maintain OSHA injury and illness records (OSHA 300 logs)?
- AIf the employer has more than 10 employees.
- BIf the employer has more than 5 employees.
- COnly if the employer operates in a high-hazard industry.
- DOnly if the employer has experienced a fatality in the past year.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. If the employer has more than 10 employees.
OSHA generally requires employers with more than 10 employees to keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Certain low-hazard industries are exempt, regardless of size.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The threshold for recordkeeping is typically 10, not 5, employees.
- C. While high-hazard industries are a focus, the primary determinant for most is employee count, though some specific low-hazard industries are exempt.
- D. Fatality reporting is a separate requirement; recordkeeping is based on employee count and industry classification.
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Employers with more than 10 employees (and not in an exempt low-hazard industry) must maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Uses OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 forms.
- Records must be kept for 5 years.
- Summary (300A) must be posted annually.
Memory trick: Ten employees or more, and safety records are at your door.