Getting Your Business Ready for February 1st OSHA Compliance
As we head into the start of the year, OSHA compliance is one of those things that can quietly sneak up on employers. One of the most common questions we get this time of year is about OSHA logs and the February 1 deadline. If you’re wondering what’s due, who it applies to, and how to prepare without panic, you’re not alone.
OSHA injury and illness record keeping is designed to track serious workplace incidents so trends can be identified and workplace safety can improve. Each year, certain employers are required to review and post their OSHA Form 300A, which is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. This form summarizes data from the prior calendar year and must be posted for employees to see from February 1 through April 30.
The 300A form is not a detailed incident report. It does not include employee names or sensitive details. Instead, it provides a high-level snapshot of total recordable injuries and illnesses, including things like days away from work, job transfers, and other recordable cases. Even if you had zero recordable incidents, you may still be required to complete and post a form showing zeros.
Not every employer is required to complete OSHA logs. Generally, employers with ten or fewer employees at all times during the previous calendar year are exempt from routine recordkeeping, unless OSHA specifically notifies them otherwise. Additionally, certain low-hazard industries are exempt based on their NAICS code. That said, even exempt employers must still report severe injuries such as fatalities, inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of an eye directly to OSHA.
If your company has more than ten employees and is not classified as low hazard, you are likely required to maintain OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301 throughout the year. The February 1 deadline specifically applies to posting the 300A summary, which must be certified by a company executive who attests that the information is accurate and complete.
Some employers have an additional obligation beyond posting. Certain companies are also required to electronically submit their OSHA data to OSHA by March 2. This typically applies to establishments with 20 to 249 employees in specific high-risk industries and establishments with 250 or more employees that are required to keep OSHA records. Electronic submission is done through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application, which can be found on OSHA’s website.
If you’re preparing for the February 1 deadline, now is the time to review your 2025 injury and illness records, confirm that all recordable incidents were properly logged, verify totals, and complete the 300A form. You’ll also want to ensure the form is signed by an authorized executive and posted in a visible location where employees normally see workplace notices. Remote or hybrid teams should also be provided access, which may mean sharing the form electronically.
For employers who are unsure whether they are required to comply, OSHA provides helpful guidance on recordkeeping exemptions, covered industries, and reporting requirements directly on their website. You can find the official OSHA recordkeeping overview at www.osha.gov/recordkeeping and access the Injury Tracking Application at www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/ita.
OSHA compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require intentional review and timely action. Missing posting deadlines or submitting incomplete information can lead to citations and penalties, especially during an audit or inspection. Taking a proactive approach now helps reduce risk and demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety.
If you’re not sure whether your organization is required to post or submit OSHA logs, or if you’d like support reviewing your records before the February 1 deadline, Rising Tide HR is here to help. We work closely with employers to navigate compliance requirements with clarity and confidence so you can focus on running your business while keeping your team safe.
