---
title: [Real Life HR] Do I need to post an OSHA Log?
description: Learn when and how to post OSHA Form 300-A Summary, the required certification, exemptions, and avoid citations with our detailed guide on OSHA logging requirements.
---

[Read Our Blog | Ahola ](https://blog.ahola.com)

# [[Real Life HR] Do I need to post an OSHA Log?](https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-do-i-need-to-post-an-osha-log)

 Written by [Ahola Corporation](https://blog.ahola.com/author/ahola-corporation) | Feb 16, 2026 8:26:03 PM

### **Q: ****Do I need to post an OSHA Log? If so, when?**

A: Yes—but with an important distinction.

Federal OSHA (**Occupational Safety and Health Administration**) requires employers to post **only the OSHA Form 300-A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)** each year. You do **not** post the full OSHA Form 300 Log.

Here’s the difference:

- **OSHA Form 300 Log:** Used to record work-related injuries and illnesses throughout the year. This log contains individual case details and should be kept on file—not posted publicly.
- **OSHA Form 300-A Summary:** An annual summary derived from the Form 300 Log. This is the form that must be posted for employees to review.

**Posting timeline:**  
The OSHA Form 300-A Summary must be posted **February 1 through April 30** each year and reflects injury and illness data from the **previous calendar year**.

This requirement applies **even if your business had zero recordable cases**.

**Certification requirement:**  
The 300-A Summary must be signed by a **company executive**, defined as one of the following:

1. Owner
2. Officer of the corporation
3. Highest-ranking official at the establishment
4. Immediate supervisor of the highest-ranking official at the establishment

**Where and how to post:**

- Post the summary in a **conspicuous location** where employee notices are typically displayed (e.g., break room or bulletin board).
- The form must remain **unaltered and visible** for the entire posting period.
- Electronic submission to OSHA is **separate** from posting—**physical posting is still required**, even if forms are submitted electronically.

**Record retention:**  
OSHA Forms **300, 300-A, and 301** must be retained for **five (5) years** following the year they cover.

**Are there any exemptions?**  
Some establishments may be **partially exempt** from OSHA’s routine injury and illness recordkeeping requirements if either of the following applies:

- The employer had **10 or fewer employees** at all times during the previous calendar year (regardless of industry), or
- The establishment’s primary business activity is classified by OSHA as a **low-hazard industry** under the **North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)**.

It’s important to note: these exemptions apply **only** to routine recordkeeping (Forms 300, 300-A, and 301).

**All employers—including exempt ones—must still:**

- Report work-related fatalities
- Report certain severe injuries (in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of an eye)
- Provide records to OSHA if specifically requested

OSHA maintains a list of exempt low-hazard industries organized by **North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes**, which employers should review carefully to confirm eligibility.

Failure to properly post the OSHA Form 300-A Summary can result in **OSHA citations**, so it’s important to review your posting requirements each year.

Official OSHA guidance can be found at: [https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping](https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping)

Looking for more HR help? [**Partner with Ahola!**](https://ahola.com/request-a-demo/)

*This Q&A does not constitute legal advice and does not address state or local law.*

[View full post](https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-do-i-need-to-post-an-osha-log)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Ahola Corporation"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-02-16T20:26:17.933Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-02-16T20:26:03Z",
  "headline" : "[Real Life HR] Do I need to post an OSHA Log?",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 500,
    "url" : "https://19964382.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/19964382/OSHA.png",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://blog.ahola.com/real-life-hr-do-i-need-to-post-an-osha-log",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Ahola Blog"
  }
}
```