What Is the Purpose of OSHA Form 301 Injury & Illness Incident Report?

Form 301, or a substitute, is required by law to document workplace injuries.

OSHA, the government agency responsible for workplace safety, administers the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Provisions of the act require that records be kept concerning workplace injuries.

Function

Form 301 documents injuries or illnesses caused by elements in the workplace. Management is responsible for populating the form and storing it for five years following the incident. Form 301 acts as a companion document to forms 300 and 300A.

Features

Data required on the form includes information about the injured or ill employee, the nature of the incident, any involved medical professionals and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Information about the member of management filling out the form is also required.

Considerations

Wording on the form dictates it must be filled out within seven days of the incident. Other documentation, such as "some state workers' compensation, insurance, or other reports may be acceptable substitutes," according to directions on the form. Any substitute documents must contain the same information as the 301 form.

References

• OSHA: Recordkeeping Forms and Reporting Criteria
• OSHA Recordkeeping: Form 301