At what point do employers need to keep records of job-related injuries and illnesses?

Employers are required to keep records of job-related injuries and illnesses when they have more than 10 employees. This requirement is in line with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations, which aim to ensure workplace safety and health. The rationale behind this threshold is that as businesses grow in size, the potential for workplace incidents also increases, making it crucial to monitor and document these occurrences to maintain a safe working environment.

Employers with fewer than 10 employees are typically exempt from this record-keeping requirement, as the compliance burden is considered less necessary for smaller operations. Records are essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for evaluating workplace safety practices and identifying areas for improvement. This data helps employers implement effective strategies to reduce risks and enhance overall employee well-being.

The other options do not align with OSHA requirements. Keeping records from the date of hire or within a specific timeframe after hiring employees does not consider the size of the workforce, which is the pivotal factor in determining the need for record-keeping. Additionally, stating that it is not mandatory to keep records misrepresents OSHA's intentions, as recording is critical for larger businesses to uphold health standards in the workplace.