Records of medical examinations shall be retained by employers for how long?

In the context of asbestos work regulations, medical examination records must be retained by employers for a minimum of 30 years. This requirement is established because asbestos exposure can lead to serious and often long-latent diseases, such as asbestosis and various forms of cancer. The long retention period allows for adequate tracking of potential health impacts related to exposure that may manifest years after the initial exposure has occurred. This ensures that individuals who were exposed to asbestos have access to their medical history and any necessary follow-up treatments or screenings. Retaining these records for 30 years is crucial for both worker safety and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards regarding occupational health.