The total number of days away from work may be capped at 180 calendar days. Employers are not required to keep track of the number of days away from work if the injury or illness lasts more than 180 days. In such a case, entering 180 in the total days away column will be considered adequate. 29 C.F.R. § 1904.7(b)(3)(vii). Additionally, if an employee who is away from work because of a work-related injury or illness retires or leaves the company, you may stop counting days if the reason for leaving is unrelated to the injury or illness. If, however, the employee leaves the company because of the injury or illness, you must estimate the total number of days away or days of restricted/job transfer and enter the day count on the 300 Log. 29 C.F.R. § 1904.7(b)(3)(viii).

In situations where a case occurs in one year but results in days away during the next calendar year, you must record the injury or illness only once. You must enter the number of calendar days away for the injury or illness on the OSHA 300 Log for the year in which the injury or illness occurred. If the employee is still away from work when you prepare the annual summary, you must estimate the total number of calendar days the employee is expected to be away, use that number to calculate the total for the annual summary, and then update the initial log entry later when the day count is known or reaches the 180-day cap. 29 C.F.R. § 1904.7(b)(3)(ix).