OSHA Checklist

OSHA compliance basics covering required programs, recordkeeping, postings and training.

Published July 6, 2026

Required Written Programs

Confirm a hazard communication program is written and current.
Verify an emergency action plan and fire prevention plan exist where required.
Check that programs such as lockout/tagout and respiratory protection are documented where they apply.
Required programs depend on the hazards present in your workplace.
Confirm a bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan exists if applicable.
Verify each program names a responsible person and a review date.
Check that written programs are accessible to affected employees.

Recordkeeping and 300 Logs

Confirm recordable injuries and illnesses are entered on the OSHA 300 log.
Verify each recordable case has a corresponding 301 incident report.
Check the 300A summary is completed, certified and posted in the required window.
The 300A summary is typically posted February 1 through April 30.
Confirm records are retained for the required period.
Verify electronic submission is completed if your establishment is covered.

Postings and Notices

Confirm the OSHA 'It's the Law' poster is displayed where employees can see it.
Check that emergency and evacuation information is posted.
Verify any required state-plan postings are displayed and current.
Confirm employees know how to report a hazard or file a complaint.
Check that postings are legible, not obstructed and up to date.

Training and Competency

Confirm new employees receive required safety training before exposure.
Verify hazard-specific training is delivered and documented.
Check that refresher and retraining intervals are met.
Confirm training is provided in a language employees understand.
OSHA expects training to be understandable to the workers receiving it.
Verify training records include dates, topics and attendees.

Hazard Communication and Chemicals

Confirm a current chemical inventory is maintained.
Verify safety data sheets are available and accessible to employees.
Check that containers are labeled per the GHS labeling system.
Confirm employees are trained on chemical hazards and protective measures.
Verify secondary containers are labeled and not left unmarked.

Inspections and Follow-Up

Confirm routine self-inspections are scheduled and documented.
Check that identified hazards are corrected and tracked to closure.
Verify employees can report hazards without fear of retaliation.
Confirm prior citations or corrective actions have been completed.
Review the program after incidents, process changes or new regulations.
Important: this is general guidance only and does not replace OSHA regulations, formal training or your employer's safety program; confirm requirements with a qualified person.

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An OSHA checklist is a structured review of the core compliance basics every U.S. workplace should have in place, including required written programs, injury recordkeeping such as the OSHA 300 logs, mandatory postings, employee training, and hazard communication. It helps employers spot gaps before an inspection or incident.

OSHA compliance is broad, so a single checklist cannot cover every standard. What it can do is give you a reliable starting point across the most common requirements so the obvious gaps are closed first.

This checklist is written for employers, HR leads and safety officers who need a concrete overview of OSHA fundamentals rather than a deep dive into one standard. It points you toward the records and programs to verify, not the exact regulatory text.

Keep a printable copy in your compliance binder or the PDF on a shared drive, review each section on a set schedule, and log the date, the reviewer and any corrective actions.

FAQ

What does an OSHA compliance checklist cover?

It covers the common fundamentals: required written programs, injury and illness recordkeeping such as the OSHA 300, 300A and 301 forms, mandatory postings, employee training, hazard communication and access to safety data sheets.

Do all employers have to keep OSHA 300 logs?

Many do, but some small employers and lower-hazard industries are partially exempt from routine recordkeeping. Confirm your specific obligations, including the annual 300A posting period, against current OSHA rules for your size and industry.

Where should the OSHA poster be displayed?

The 'Job Safety and Health: It's the Law' poster must be displayed where employees can readily see it, such as a break room or notice board. Replace damaged or outdated versions promptly.

Can this checklist be used for any industry?

Yes, as a starting point. Download the printable PDF and add industry-specific items such as lockout/tagout, fall protection, respiratory protection or confined spaces that apply to your operation.

Does this checklist guarantee OSHA compliance?

No. It is general guidance and does not replace OSHA regulations, formal training, your employer's safety program, or a qualified person. Always confirm the exact standards and recordkeeping rules that apply to your workplace.