What is OSHA Form 301?

OSHA Form 301, officially titled “Injury and Illness Incident Report,” is a document used in the United States as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) recordkeeping and reporting system. This form is designed to provide a more detailed account of a specific work-related injury or illness, supplementing the information recorded on OSHA Form 300.

Here are key details about OSHA Form 301:

Purpose and Usage:

1. Detailed Incident Reporting:
   • OSHA Form 301 is used to gather more comprehensive details about a specific workplace incident, beyond the summary information captured on OSHA Form 300.
2. Supplement to Form 300:
   • While OSHA Form 300 provides an overview of work-related injuries and illnesses, Form 301 is used for individual incidents, offering a deeper understanding of each case’s circumstances.

Components of OSHA Form 301:

1. Employee Information:

• Captures details about the injured or ill employee, including name, job title, and department.

2. Incident Details:

• Provides a narrative description of the incident, including how it occurred and the factors involved.

3. Injury or Illness Details:

• Specifies the nature of the injury or illness, the part of the body affected, and any objects or substances involved.

4. Medical Treatment:

• Records the type of medical treatment received, including first aid, prescription medications, or hospitalization.

5. Days Away from Work:

• Indicates the number of days the employee is expected to be away from work due to the incident.

6. Job Transfer or Restriction:

• Documents any job transfers or work restrictions resulting from the incident.

7. Employer’s Report:

• Allows the employer to provide additional information and details related to the incident.

Completing and Retaining OSHA Form 301

1. Prompt Completion:
   • Employers must complete OSHA Form 301 within seven calendar days of receiving information about a recordable injury or illness.
2. Confidentiality:
   • Employers must ensure the confidentiality of the information recorded on Form 301, respecting the privacy of the affected employee.
3. Retention:
   • OSHA Form 301 is to be retained by the employer for the duration of the employee’s employment and five years after separation.

Relationship with Other OSHA Forms

1. OSHA Form 300:
   • While OSHA Form 300 provides an overview and summary of work-related injuries and illnesses, Form 301 offers a detailed incident-specific report.
2. OSHA Form 300A:
   • Form 301 complements the information on Form 300A, which is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, often posted in the workplace.

Importance in Recordkeeping

1. In-Depth Analysis:
   • OSHA Form 301 facilitates more in-depth analysis of individual incidents, helping employers identify root causes and implement preventive measures.
2. Compliance and Documentation:
   • Completing OSHA Form 301 is essential for OSHA compliance and maintaining accurate documentation of work-related incidents.

Conclusion

OSHA Form 301 is crucial in providing a detailed account of specific work-related injuries and illnesses, contributing to a comprehensive recordkeeping system that promotes workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Employers must ensure this form’s accurate and timely completion to meet OSHA requirements.