How long must OSHA keep injury and illness records following the year to which they relate?

The correct duration for which OSHA requires injury and illness records to be kept is five calendar years. This applies to businesses that are required to maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring that they have documented data for safety analysis and regulatory purposes.

OSHA mandates that employers keep records of significant injury and illness incidents for five years following the year to which the records pertain. This five-year retention period allows both the employers and OSHA to track trends and learn from past incidents, contributing to increased workplace safety and prevention strategies.

Maintaining these records is essential for identifying hazards, improving safety programs, and demonstrating compliance with regulations. It is also important for evaluating the effectiveness of safety initiatives and for responding to any potential audits or inspections by OSHA. Proper record-keeping is therefore a fundamental aspect of workplace safety management.