For how long must employers keep each employee's medical record?

Employers are required to keep each employee's medical record for the duration of employment plus an additional 30 years after termination. This policy is essential for ensuring that adequate health surveillance and follow-up can be performed for individuals who may have been exposed to hazardous materials, such as asbestos, during their employment. Maintaining these records allows for long-term tracking of potential health effects related to exposure, which can manifest years after the exposure has ended.

This requirement is established by occupational safety and health regulations to protect employees and their rights to access their health information, especially in cases of occupational diseases. The extended retention period also enables ongoing health studies and epidemiological research that benefit public health and workplace safety initiatives.