April 12, 2004—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a new initiative to focus attention on hazard communication in the workplace. Consisting of compliance assistance and enforcement components, it is aimed at improving the quality of hazard communication and helping employers and employees comply with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS, adopted 20 years ago, covers some 650,000 hazardous chemical products and more than 30 million American workers.
For compliance assistance, OSHA has developed a new page on the agency’s Web site, “Hazard Communication: Foundation of Workplace Chemical Safety Programs“, that contains compliance assistance materials, OSHA’s review of the issues, and draft documents for public comment.
For education and outreach, OSHA has formed an alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) to develop training for businesses and OSHA compliance staff. In addition, International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) covering more than 1300 substances are available on OSHA’s Web site to use as a screening tool for reviewing MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets). OSHA is also evaluating the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
