If a business changes ownership during the calendar year, how long are the previous owners responsible for OSHA records of work-related injuries and illnesses?

The correct answer is that previous owners are responsible for OSHA records of work-related injuries and illnesses only for the period they owned the business. This means that once the ownership of the business is transferred, the previous owners are no longer accountable for the documentation of incidents occurring after the change in ownership.

The rationale behind this responsibility pertains to the idea that the ownership change signifies that the new owners are accountable for new incidents and occupational safety practices within their tenure. Therefore, any injuries or illnesses reported during the time the previous owners operated the business still fall under their liability for the duration of their ownership. This ensures a clear delineation of responsibility in maintaining accurate records and safety standards during the time each group owned the business.

It's important to acknowledge that this specificity helps in maintaining clarity and compliance with OSHA regulations, ensuring that the necessary data can be accurately traced back to the appropriate owners.