Free ToolsFederal coverage orientation

Do I need OSHA 300 records for this year?

Answer three practical questions about the target year, the previous calendar year's company-wide peak headcount, and the establishment's primary NAICS status. You will get a cautious federal orientation with the source links needed for verification.

No account, saved answers, or automatic legal determination.

Start with the facts

A three-part federal orientation.

The size test looks at the company during the previous calendar year. The industry test applies to the establishment and its primary classification. Keep those scopes separate when you review the result.

Client-side only

QuestionsTarget year and coverage inputs

Choose the closest accurate answer. You can reset the form at any time.

Target recordkeeping year *The size test uses the previous calendar year: 2025.

Peak company-wide employee count during the previous calendar year *

10 or fewerAt all times during the prior calendar yearMore than 10At any point during the prior calendar year

This is a company-wide size test, not a headcount for one establishment alone.

Establishment industry status *The exemption is establishment-specific. Verify the primary NAICS classification, especially for mixed operations.

ResultWaiting for your answers

Your orientation will appear here.

The result will show the selected year, the two rule branches, and the verification step that belongs with your answers.

size test + establishment industry status = starting point

Keep the scopes separate

Company size and establishment industry answer different questions.

The federal size exemption generally looks at the company-wide peak count during the previous calendar year. The industry exemption is tied to the establishment and its primary NAICS classification. Mixed operations, state plans, written requests, and unusual facts need a closer review.

Company-widePrior-year employee count

Use the highest company-wide employee count at any time during the previous calendar year.

Establishment-specificPrimary NAICS classification

Verify the worksite's primary classification against the current federal Appendix A reference.

Separate dutySevere-injury reporting

Recordkeeping exemptions do not answer the separate reporting question under 1904.39.

Official sources

Verify the branch before you rely on it.

Start with the official federal rule and Appendix A. Then check the severe-injury reporting rule and any state-plan or fact-specific guidance that applies to your establishment.

OSHA RecordkeepingOSHA's recordkeeping hub and related resources.29 CFR 1904.1, size exemptionThe federal partial exemption based on company size.29 CFR 1904.2, industry exemptionThe federal partial exemption based on industry classification.29 CFR 1904, Appendix AThe federal low-hazard industry reference list.29 CFR 1904.39, severe-injury reportingSeparate reporting rules for fatalities and severe injuries.

This checker stops at orientation. It does not decide severe-injury reporting, electronic submission, state-plan differences, recordability, or unusual facts. If you need a broader process guide, open Recordkeeping Guidance .