What records will OSHA want to see during an inspection?

OSHA places special importance on posting and recordkeeping. The Agency routinely issues citations for failing to record or improperly record work-related injuries and illness. As such, one of the first things the compliance officer will do is inspect required records of work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses.

The officer will check to see that:

• The 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, 301 Injury and Illness Incident Report, and 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses forms are up-to-date;
• The 300A has been posted between February 1 and April 30, as required by law; and
• The OSHA 3165 “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” workplace poster is prominently displayed.

Where records of employee exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents are required, they’ll also be examined for compliance as well as written programs such as HazCom.

The compliance officer may also examine training records.