Record Keeping

Employers must keep records of employees' exposure to hazardous substances for 30 years. They are also required to keep medical records for the duration of an individual's employment, plus 30 years. Employers are not required to retain medical records of employees who have worked for less than one year, but they must give the medical records to an employee when he or she is terminated.

Medical records must include the following information:

• Employee's name and Social Security number
• Physicians' written opinions
• Employee's medical complaints related to exposure to hazardous substances
• Information provided to the treating physician

OSHA has revised the standard that requires employers to provide employees with information to assist in the management of their own safety and health. The standard, Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records (29 CFR 1910.20), permits employees exposed to hazardous materials, their designated representatives, and OSHA to have direct access to these records.

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