OSHA has revised its HazCom standard to align with the UNs’ global chemical labeling system (GHS). The agency reports that once implemented, the standard will prevent an estimated 43 deaths and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S. businesses each year. The revised standard also is expected to prevent an estimated 585 injuries and illnesses annually
The standard will be fully implemented in 2016. It will classify chemicals according to their health and physical hazards, and establish consistent labels and safety data sheets for all chemicals made in the U.S. and imported from abroad. It is also expected to reduce trade barriers. “OSHA’s 1983 Hazard Communication Standard gave workers the right to know. As one participant expressed during our rulemaking process, this update will give them the right to understand, as well,” says OSHA Administrator David Michaels.
Read the final rule here.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers