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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-records-5-years

How long must an employer keep OSHA 300 Logs and 301 Incident Reports?

5 years after the end of the year they cover.

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  1. 1 year
  2. 5 years ✔
  3. 30 years

Why: Injury and illness records, including the annual summary, are saved for five years. During that time the 300 Log must be updated if new cases or changes come to light.

Huh, didn't know that: Workers and former workers can get a free copy of the 300 Log by the end of the next business day.

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References

Answer: 5 years. Injury and illness records, including the annual summary, are saved for five years. During that time the 300 Log must be updated if new cases or changes come to light.

  1. 29 CFR 1904.33 Retention and updating (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1904.33
    save the OSHA 300 Log ... the annual summary, and the OSHA 301 Incident Report forms for five (5) years
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 29 CFR 1904.35 Employee involvement (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1904.35
    you must give the requester a copy of the relevant OSHA 300 Log(s) by the end of the next business day
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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