According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration Act (OSHA), how long must employee health records be maintained after employment?

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Administration Act (OSHA), employee health records must be maintained for a period of 30 years after employment ends. This requirement is in place to ensure that health and safety records can be referenced for potential long-term health effects related to workplace exposure. Keeping these records accessible allows for the evaluation of occupational illnesses and ensures that former employees have the information necessary for any subsequent health concerns that may arise. This long retention period is particularly important as certain workplace hazards may not present symptoms or illnesses until years after exposure. Therefore, maintaining these records for 30 years helps to protect workers' rights and health in a comprehensive manner.