Workplace injuries are never easy. When something goes wrong on a job site, your first priority is the worker. Right behind that comes paperwork, and that is where many companies get stuck. The OSHA 301 form is one of the most important reports employers must complete after a work related injury or illness.
In this guide, we break down the OSHA 301 form in clear and simple terms. You will learn what it is, who must complete it, how it connects to other OSHA records, and how to stay on track with deadlines. If you manage construction crews, work with temporary labor, or oversee safety programs, this information will help you stay compliant and organized.
What Is the OSHA 301 Form?
The OSHA 301 form is an injury and illness incident report required by OSHA. It records the details of a single workplace injury or illness.
Think of the OSHA 301 form as the full report of what happened. It explains the situation from start to finish, instead of just listing numbers or totals.
The OSHA 301 form includes details such as:
- The name and job title of the injured worker
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- What task the employee was doing
- How the injury or illness happened
- Medical treatment and time missed from work
This form helps employers understand what went wrong and how similar incidents can be avoided in the future.
Who Needs to Complete an OSHA 301 Form?
Not every business must keep OSHA injury records. Requirements depend on company size and industry type.
You generally must complete an OSHA 301 form if:
- Your business has 11 or more employees during the year
- Your industry is not exempt from OSHA recordkeeping
- A work related injury or illness meets OSHA reporting rules
Understanding the distinction between recordable and reportable incidents helps employers identify exactly which workplace injuries require OSHA 301 documentation.
Construction companies and staffing agencies almost always fall under these requirements.
Staffing companies should be especially careful. Even when workers are placed at a client job site, injury reporting responsibilities often fall on the staffing agency, depending on supervision and payroll setup.
How the OSHA 301 Form Works With Other OSHA Records
OSHA uses three main forms for injury and illness tracking. Each one plays a different role.
|
OSHA Form |
Purpose |
When It Is Used |
|
OSHA 301 |
Incident report |
Completed after each recordable injury or illness |
|
OSHA 300 |
Injury and illness log |
Tracks all recordable incidents during the year |
|
OSHA 300A |
Annual summary |
Posted for employees to review |
Organizations managing multiple safety requirements should review a comprehensive OSHA compliance checklist to maintain organized recordkeeping across all regulatory areas.
The OSHA 301 form supports the OSHA 300 log. Information from the incident report is used to complete the log entry. Without a completed OSHA 301 form, your OSHA 300 log may be missing key details.
When Should the OSHA 301 Form Be Completed?
Timing matters with OSHA reporting.
Employers must complete the OSHA 301 form within seven calendar days of learning about a recordable injury or illness. This applies even if the incident happened earlier and was reported later.
If new information comes in after the form is completed, updates should be made as soon as possible.
Missing this deadline can lead to compliance problems, especially during an OSHA inspection.
OSHA 300 Reporting Deadline Explained
Understanding the OSHA 300 Reporting Deadline
The OSHA 300 reporting deadline refers to several important timelines tied to injury recordkeeping. While the OSHA 301 form has its own deadline, the OSHA 300 log and summary have additional requirements.
Key OSHA 300 reporting deadlines include:
- OSHA 300 log entries must be updated within seven days of learning about an incident
- OSHA 300A summaries must be completed by February 1
- OSHA 300A summaries must be posted from February 1 through April 30
- Some employers must submit OSHA 300A data electronically by March 2
Missing the OSHA 300 reporting deadline can lead to citations and fines. Keeping OSHA 301 forms accurate and up to date makes it much easier to meet these deadlines.
How to Fill Out the OSHA 301 Form Step by Step
Completing the OSHA 301 form is easier when you take it one section at a time.
Step 1: Collect Employee Information
Start with basic details about the worker:
- Full name
- Job title
- Hire date
- Normal work schedule
Accuracy matters, especially for staffing companies managing multiple placements.
Step 2: Record the Incident Details
Next, document when and where the incident happened:
- Date and time of the injury or illness
- Job site location
- Area where the incident occurred
Stick to the facts and keep descriptions clear.
Step 3: Explain How the Incident Happened
This section describes what caused the injury or illness:
- Tools or equipment involved
- Materials being handled
- Conditions at the job site
Focus on what happened, not opinions or blame.
Step 4: Document the Outcome
Include medical and work impact details:
- Type of injury or illness
- Medical treatment received
- Days away from work or restricted duty
This information determines whether the incident is recordable under OSHA rules.
Step 5: Review and File the Form
Review the OSHA 301 form for accuracy. Store it with your OSHA records for at least five years.
Common Mistakes Employers Make With the OSHA 301 Form
Many reporting issues come from small oversights. Here are mistakes to watch for:
- Waiting too long to complete the form
- Leaving sections incomplete
- Confusing OSHA forms with workers’ compensation paperwork
- Failing to update records when details change
- Poor communication between staffing agencies and host employers
Clear processes and quick reporting help prevent these issues.
OSHA 301 Reporting for Construction Staffing Companies
Staffing companies face unique challenges with injury reporting. Workers may be supervised by the host employer but remain employees of the staffing agency.
In many situations:
- The staffing agency completes the OSHA 301 form
- The host employer provides incident details
- Both parties work together on safety improvements
Construction companies that partner with staffing agencies gain multiple operational advantages beyond compliance support, including faster crew deployment and reduced administrative workload.
Accurate OSHA 301 reporting shows clients that your staffing company takes safety and compliance seriously.
Tips to Stay Compliant and Inspection Ready
Staying compliant does not need to be stressful. Consistent habits make a big difference.
- Train supervisors on injury reporting steps
- Use an incident checklist after every injury
- Complete OSHA 301 forms right away
- Review OSHA 300 logs regularly
- Store records in an organized system
Good recordkeeping helps protect your business and your workers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the OSHA 301 Form
What is the OSHA 301 form used for?
The OSHA 301 form records details about a specific work related injury or illness. It supports accurate OSHA reporting and safety reviews.
Is the OSHA 301 form the same as a workers’ compensation report?
No. The OSHA 301 form is a federal safety record. Workers’ compensation forms are used for insurance and claims.
How long should OSHA 301 forms be kept?
Employers must keep OSHA 301 forms for five years after the end of the calendar year they cover.
Does the OSHA 300 reporting deadline affect the OSHA 301 form?
The OSHA 301 form must be completed within seven days. The OSHA 300 reporting deadline applies to log updates, summaries, and electronic submissions.
Do staffing agencies need to complete OSHA 301 forms?
In many cases, yes. Staffing agencies often handle OSHA 301 reporting when they employ the worker and manage payroll.
Can OSHA 301 forms be updated later?
Yes. If new details come up, the OSHA 301 form should be updated to reflect accurate information.
Final Thoughts on the OSHA 301 Form
Understanding the OSHA 301 form helps employers stay compliant, protect workers, and avoid costly penalties. Clear reporting practices support safer job sites and smoother operations.
If you need dependable, safety focused construction labor or have questions about compliance expectations, contact Tower Eight Staffing for more information.
We support construction projects across Florida with skilled workers who are trained, prepared, and ready to work.
This article was originally published on September 25, 2024 and has been updated on January 2, 2026 to provide the most accurate and relevant information.