What is the purpose of the OSHA 300A log?

The OSHA 300A log serves a crucial purpose in workplace safety and health management by summarizing the total number of work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during the calendar year. This summary includes key information such as the total number of cases, days away from work, days of job transfer or restriction, and other relevant details, which provide a clear overview of safety performance for the organization.

Employers are required to complete and post the OSHA 300A log annually, allowing employees and management to easily assess workplace safety trends and make informed decisions regarding safety improvements and policy changes. By maintaining this log, employers fulfill both legal obligations and promote a culture of safety.

In contrast, tracking safety behavior, reporting hazardous materials, and maintaining attendance records pertain to different aspects of workplace management and do not encapsulate the main function of the OSHA 300A log, which focuses specifically on documenting and summarizing injuries and illnesses. This specificity is why the answer regarding summarizing injuries and illnesses is the most accurate representation of the OSHA 300A log's purpose.