How long are employee medical records typically maintained?

Employee medical records are typically maintained for a minimum of three years or longer after the employee's last date of employment, in accordance with various labor and health regulations. This retention period ensures that employers can have access to vital health-related information in case of future claims, investigations, or health assessments that may arise related to the work environment.

Maintaining these records for three years helps in compliance with regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping requirements, which state that certain medical records must be kept for the duration specified in relation to specific risks or incidents investigated.

This answer remains in contrast to other options that suggest shorter durations or indefinite retention, which do not align with standard practices and legal requirements for recordkeeping in the workplace. By ensuring that medical records are kept for at least three years, employers can be better equipped to handle various health-related scenarios that may impact both the organization and its former employees.