When you hear the word “accident,” you probably think of an unexpected, random event that no one could foresee or prevent. Accidents “just happen.” However, most workplace injuries and illnesses don’t just happen—they are usually predictable and preventable. That’s why OSHA calls them “incidents” instead of “accidents.”
While using a different word might seem like a small thing, it’s part of a huge shift toward prevention—finding and fixing hazards before they lead to injury or illness.
This is where your OSHA 300 log comes in. You can actually use your OSHA 300 log to improve safety and health. The log is not just a way to look at your past safety and health record, and not just an OSHA requirement. It can be a powerful tool to help you identify hazards in your workplace so you can correct them and prevent future injuries and illnesses.