When Is Osha 300 Due For 2024

So you need to know when OSHA 300 is due for 2024. Maybe your calendar is already piling up with compliance deadlines, or maybe you just got an email from HR asking about it. Either way, let’s cut through the confusion and get straight to what matters.

The short version is: OSHA 300 logs are due by March 2nd, 2025 for calendar year 2024. But here’s what most people miss — the exact timing depends on your establishment size and how many records you’re required to keep.

What Is OSHA 300 Anyway?

OSHA 300 isn’t a form you fill out once and forget. Which means it’s a recordkeeping requirement that kicks in when your business meets certain thresholds. Specifically, if you have 10 or more employees (or 10+ in each establishment if you’re multi-site), you’re generally required to maintain the OSHA 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.

This log captures serious work-related cases — hospitalizations, amputations, losses of an eye, and specific diagnosed illnesses. It doesn’t cover every stubbed toe or paper cut. Only the significant incidents count.

The Three-Part OSHA Recordkeeping System

There are actually three forms that work together:

• OSHA 300 Log: The actual logbook where you record each incident
• OSHA 300A Summary: The annual summary you post and file
• OSHA 301 Incident Report: The detailed form for each individual case

For 2024, all of this ties back to reporting incidents that occurred during calendar year 2024 — so from January 1st to December 31st, 2024.

Why Does This Matter?

Look, most small businesses don’t think about OSHA recordkeeping until they get audited. But here’s the thing — getting this wrong can cost you. Not just in fines, but in credibility.

OSHA uses these logs to identify patterns. If your site shows up as having frequent serious incidents, you might get a visit. More importantly, if you’re injured workers or their families, you want accurate records that tell the right story about what happened and how you responded.

And let’s be honest — in 2024, with insurance costs climbing and labor shortages everywhere, you can’t afford to have compliance issues drag you down further.

The 2024 Timeline Breakdown

Here’s where it gets practical. For calendar year 2024, the key dates are:

February 1, 2025: This is when you can and should start finalizing your OSHA 300A Summary. All the data from 2024 should be compiled by this point.

February 3, 2025: This is the official posting deadline. You must post the OSHA 300A Summary in a prominent place where all employees can see it. The poster stays up from February 3rd through April 30th.

March 2, 2025: This is the absolute final deadline for submitting your OSHA 300A Summary to the state (if you’re in a state-plan state) or keeping it on file (in OSHA’s 10 federal regions).

Miss any of these and you’re looking at potential penalties. The fines aren’t huge for first-time violations — usually under $1,000 — but they do get noted in your compliance history.

What Most People Get Wrong

I’ve seen this play out across dozens of clients and industries. Here are the biggest mistakes:

Confusing Calendar Year with Fiscal Year

Lots of companies run on July 1 to June 30 fiscal years. Consider this: that doesn’t matter here. Even so, oSHA recordkeeping is always calendar year, regardless of your fiscal setup. So all incidents from January 1 through December 31, 2024 count toward your 2024 requirements.

Thinking You Only Report Serious Cases

You do only report serious cases to the log. But here’s what trips people up: defining what counts as "serious." It’s not just about medical treatment beyond first aid.

• Days away from work
• Days of restricted work or transfer to another job
• Medical treatment beyond first aid
• Loss of consciousness
• Significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other healthcare professional

That last one is key. Someone might get a diagnosis that requires follow-up, even if they don’t end up missing work. That still counts.

Missing the Posting Requirement

This is huge. Many employers think once they file the 300A, they’re done. But you have to physically post it in a visible location for all employees. It’s not enough to email it or put it in the break room where only some people see it.

The poster needs to be where employees actually work — near time clocks, entrance areas, or other high-traffic spots. And it stays up for the full posting period, not just a few days.

Practical Steps That Actually Work

Let’s talk about what you need to do, step by step, to stay compliant:

Step 1: Audit Your Employee Count

First thing in 2024, verify your establishment count. If you have multiple locations, each one counts separately. Even if one location has only 5 employees, it still needs to be considered for recordkeeping purposes.

Step 2: Set Up Your Tracking System

If you don’t already have one, designate someone to maintain the OSHA 300 Log. On the flip side, this should be updated throughout the year, not just at year-end. Every incident gets documented within 7 days if it’s recordable.

Step 3: Train Your Supervisors

Your foremen and supervisors need to know what to look for. They’re often the first to hear about incidents. Train them on the difference between recordable and non-recordable cases.

Step 4: Prepare for Year-End Reporting

In early January 2025, start pulling together your OSHA 300A Summary. Which means cross-reference your log with any incidents that might need follow-up or clarification. Double-check that all your dates and details are accurate.

Step 5: Post and File by the Deadlines

February 3rd is your posting deadline. March 2nd is your filing deadline. Mark both dates clearly on your calendar. If you’re in a state-plan state like California, Texas, or New York, you may need to submit to your state agency instead of keeping it on file with OSHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to submit my OSHA 300A to OSHA if I’m a small business?

A: No. If you have fewer than 10 employees at all your establishments, you’re generally exempt from keeping the log at all. But if you do keep it (some industries are required regardless of size), you still need to post the 300A by February 3rd.

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Q: What if 2024 was a slow year and I didn’t have any recordable incidents?

A: You still need to complete and post the OSHA 300A Summary. Because of that, it will show zero cases, but it’s still a required document. Don’t skip it just because nothing major happened.

Q: Can I file my OSHA 300A online?

A: Yes, if you’re required to submit it to OSHA. In practice, gov. The online portal is at osha.For state-plan states, check with your local OSHA office for their specific filing requirements.

Q: What happens if I miss the March 2nd deadline?

A: You could face a penalty. For first-time violations, OSHA typically issues a warning first, but repeat offenses or willful neglect can result in higher fines. More importantly, you lose credibility with workers and insurers.

Q: Do I need to report near misses or close calls?

A: Not typically. But oSHA 300 focuses on actual injuries and illnesses that meet the recording criteria. That said, some progressive safety programs do track near misses internally for trend analysis — just not for official OSHA reporting.

Wrapping It Up

The bottom line for 2024 is this: your OS

Step 5: Post and File by the Deadlines
February 3rd is your posting deadline. March 2nd is your filing deadline. Mark both dates clearly on your calendar. If you’re in a state-plan state like California, Texas, or New York, you may need to submit to your state agency instead of keeping it on file with OSHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to submit my OSHA 300A to OSHA if I’m a small business?
A: No. If you have fewer than 10 employees at all your establishments, you’re generally exempt from keeping the log at all. But if you do keep it (some industries are required regardless of size), you still need to post the 300A by February 3rd.

Q: What if 2024 was a slow year and I didn’t have any recordable incidents?
A: You still need to complete and post the OSHA 300A Summary. It will show zero cases, but it’s still a required document. Don’t skip it just because nothing major happened.

Q: Can I file my OSHA 300A online?
A: Yes, if you’re required to submit it to OSHA. The online portal is at osha.gov. For state-plan states, check with your local OSHA office for their specific filing requirements.

Q: What happens if I miss the March 2nd deadline?
A: You could face a penalty. For first-time violations, OSHA typically issues a warning first, but repeat offenses or willful neglect can result in higher fines. More importantly, you lose credibility with workers and insurers.

Q: Do I need to report near misses or close calls?
A: Not typically. OSHA 300 focuses on actual injuries and illnesses that meet the recording criteria. Even so, some progressive safety programs do track near misses internally for trend analysis — just not for official OSHA reporting.

Wrapping It Up

The bottom line for 2024 is this: your OSHA 300 Log and 300A Summary are more than just paperwork. They’re a testament to your commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance. By maintaining accurate records, training your team, and meeting deadlines, you protect your employees, avoid penalties, and support a culture of accountability.

As you finalize your 2024 reports, take a moment to review your safety practices. Whether your log shows zero incidents or multiple cases, the effort you put into tracking and improving safety today will pay dividends in the years to come. Use the data to identify trends, address gaps, and set goals for 2025. Stay proactive, stay informed, and remember: every recordable incident is a chance to learn, and every safe day is a victory worth celebrating.

For more guidance, visit OSHA’s official website or consult with a safety professional to ensure your program remains strong and compliant. Here’s to a safer 2025!

Bonus: Your 2024 OSHA 300A Filing Checklist

Before you lock in your 300A Summary, run through this quick verification list to catch common oversights:

• [ ] Establishment count confirmed – Every physical location expected to be in operation for 2024 has a separate 300 Log and 300A Summary.

• [ ] Employee count accuracy – The annual average number of employees and total hours worked match payroll records (include temporary, seasonal, and part-time workers).

• [ ] Case classification review – Each recordable case is correctly coded as Injury, Skin Disorder, Respiratory Condition, Poisoning, Hearing Loss, or All Other Illnesses.

• [ ] Days away / restricted / transferred – Column totals (G, H, I, J) are summed correctly; no blank fields where a number belongs (enter “0” if none).

• [ ] Certification signature – A company executive (owner, officer, or highest-ranking official at the establishment) has signed and dated the 300A.

• [ ] Posting compliance – The 300A is posted in a conspicuous location(s) where notices to employees are customarily displayed from February 1 – April 30, 2025.

• [ ] Electronic submission – If your establishment meets the criteria (≥250 employees, or 20–249 in designated high-hazard industries), the 300A data has been submitted via OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by March 2, 2025.

• [ ] State-plan verification – For states with OSHA-approved plans (e.g., CA, WA, MI

• [ ] State-plan verification – For states with OSHA-approved plans (e.g., CA, WA, MI), ensure compliance with their specific reporting requirements and deadlines, which may differ from federal standards.

Completing this checklist thoroughly will help ensure your 300A Summary is accurate, complete, and ready for submission. Remember, attention to detail at this stage prevents costly errors and reinforces your organization’s dedication to safety.

By treating OSHA recordkeeping as an opportunity to improve workplace conditions rather than a mere regulatory burden, you empower your team to take ownership of safety protocols. When employees see their leaders prioritizing transparency and accountability, it cultivates trust and encourages proactive hazard reporting. This cycle of continuous improvement not only reduces incidents but also strengthens your organization’s reputation and operational resilience.

As 2024 comes to a close, let your 300A Summary serve as both a reflection of past efforts and a roadmap for future success. That's why the steps you take now to streamline compliance and analyze safety data will directly influence the well-being of your workforce and the sustainability of your business. Stay vigilant, stay compliant, and keep safety at the forefront of every decision.