Medical records of work-related injuries to long-term employees must be kept for a minimum of what duration after the employee leaves employment?

Medical records of work-related injuries to long-term employees must be maintained for a minimum of 30 years after the employee leaves employment. This requirement is established under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which stipulate that employers need to keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses for a substantial duration. The 30-year period is significant as it aligns with the potential for long-term health effects that can arise from certain occupational exposures. Given that some injuries or illnesses may not manifest until years later, maintaining these records allows for continued medical assessment and supports any potential claims that might arise regarding those injuries long after the employment has ended.

Shorter durations, such as 1, 5, or 7 years, do not provide sufficient coverage for the complexities of work-related health issues that may take many years to fully understand or present themselves. Therefore, the legal expectation is to retain these medical records for a minimum of 30 years to ensure that the necessary information is available for any future health evaluations or claims.