What does 29 CFR 1910.1020 emphasize?

29 CFR 1910.1020 emphasizes the preservation of medical records, highlighting the importance of maintaining and ensuring the accessibility of medical information related to employee health and exposure to hazardous substances. This regulation mandates that employers retain certain medical records for specified periods, recognize employees' rights to access their medical information, and ensures confidentiality.

The regulation is particularly critical in occupational health and safety, as it allows for the identification of exposure trends and potential health effects over time. By preserving these records, employees can obtain necessary documentation that could be vital for claims related to work-related illnesses or injuries. Thus, the focus on medical record preservation serves to promote transparency and safeguard employee health in the workplace.