How long must OSHA forms 300 or 300A be retained?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to retain OSHA Forms 300 and 300A for five years from the end of the calendar year in which the records were created. This requirement helps ensure that there is a consistent and accessible history of workplace injuries and illnesses, which can be vital for identifying trends, improving workplace safety practices, and complying with regulatory standards.

The five-year retention period is specifically designed to give employers, employees, and regulators ample time to review incidents, calculate injury rates, and make informed decisions regarding workplace safety. Accurate record-keeping is essential for fostering a safer working environment, and this timeframe strikes a balance between practicality for employers and the need for historical data on occupational health and safety.