OSHA 300 log basics: what counts as recordable
A working definition of 'recordable' that risk and HR teams can actually use day to day.
The single most common question we get from new risk and HR teams: does this one go on the 300 log?
Here's the short version.
The threshold
An injury or illness is recordable if it's work-related and results in one of the following:
- Death
- Days away from work
- Restricted work or job transfer
- Medical treatment beyond first aid
- Loss of consciousness
- A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a licensed professional
If none of those apply, it's not recordable — even if a report was filed.
The trap
The trap is medical treatment beyond first aid. The OSHA definition of "first aid" is specific and narrow. Anything outside that list — including prescription medications, sutures, or follow-up beyond observation — pushes the case onto the log.
When in doubt, document the case anyway. It's easier to mark a case "not recordable" later than to backfill a log entry months after the fact.