In accordance with requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Penn State makes work-related exposure records and work-related medical records available to its employees and their designated representatives.

Work-related exposure records

University employees at all locations may contact Penn State Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 814-865-6391 for access to their work-related exposure records, which may contain any of the following information:

• Results of workplace monitoring of toxic substances or potentially harmful physical agents (such as noise, chemicals or radioactive materials);
• Results of biological monitoring (such as blood or urine tests) which assess the absorption of a toxic substance by an individual; or
• Safety data sheets indicating that a material may pose a hazard to human health. 

Note that safety data sheets (formerly referred to as “material safety data sheets”) are maintained by individual departments or units.

Work-related medical records

An “employee medical record” is a record concerning the work-related health status of an employee that is made or maintained by a physician, nurse, or other health care provider.

Employee medical records may only be accessed by the employee who is the subject of the records unless the employee has given written consent to a designated representative. University employees at all locations may access their work-related medical records by contacting the Department of Occupational Medicine at 814-863-8492.

These records may include any of the following:

• Medical and employment questionnaires or histories;
• Results of medical examinations and laboratory tests;
• Medical opinions, diagnoses, progress notes and recommendations;
• First aid records;
• Descriptions of treatments and prescriptions; and
• Employee medical complaints.

Reporting work-related safety or health issues

Penn State Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for the University’s environmental and occupational health and safety programs. If you have related questions or concerns, contact EHS at 814-865-6391 or online.

Contact Mark Linsenbigler, occupational health and safety manager, in EHS at 814-865-6391 with any questions regarding this information.