Occupational Hazard Communication (Hazcom) Standards

OSHA has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA estimates that over 5 million workplaces employing approximately 43 million workers in the United States will be affected by the revised standard.

Find the latest news, commentary and best practices surrounding the new hazcom standard here.

Recent Items for GHS

Mar. 4, 2013

News

Infographic: The Goal of GHS

Over 5,000 U.S. workplaces employing 43 million workers have environments that could expose workers hazardous chemicals. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), a system for standardizing the labeling and classification of chemicals around the world, creates a common framework to help reduce confusion surrounding these chemicals....More
Jan. 22, 2013

News

Retailers Launch Safety Data Sheet Initiative

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is rolling out an initiative designed to streamline the safety data sheet (SDS) process under which chemical information is provided by suppliers to retailers. The association represents major U.S. retailers such as Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, the Home Depot, Sears, jcpenney and Walgreens....More
Oct. 5, 2012

Article

Driving Compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets

Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are the cornerstone of compliance for a number of OSHA and EPA standards. Yet, as notorious as they are among safety professionals, some argue that MSDSs remain regrettably underutilized....More
Sep. 10, 2012

Article

GHS Adoption in the U.S. - What to Expect When Expecting

Since the mid-2000s, OSHA and other agencies have been discussing and hosting hearings on GHS and revising the hazcom standard. Now that GHS finally is here with all provisions and deadlines outlined, we can expect a focused effort by safety professionals and OSHA to ensure all requirements and deadlines are met....More
Sep. 5, 2012

News

Worker-Inspired Safer Chemicals Database Launched

Workers wanting safer workplaces now have a new tool to help them: the ChemHAT (Chemical Hazard and Alternatives Toolkit) database. The free, online database was designed in consultation with workers who deal withhazardous chemicals every day....More
Jun. 1, 2012

Article

Safety 2012: ASSE Conference Offers Latest on Preventing Work Injuries, Illnesses

Thousands of environment, health and safety (EHS) professionals from around the world are heading to Denver June 3-6 for the American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) and Exposition: Safety 2012 at the Colorado Convention Center....More
May 10, 2012

article

HazCom Gets a Facelift

Ten things you need to know about OSHA’s new hazard communication standard....More
Mar. 29, 2012

article

A Guide to OSHA's New GHS Chemical Labeling Requirements

How and when will OSHA's updated Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which will now be aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Labeling (GHS), impact chemical labeling? Read on for a guide to the new labeling requirements...More
Mar. 21, 2012

article

ASSE: Don't Delay on Addressing GHS Compliance

Now that OSHA has announced its revised hazard communication standard to align it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) urges EHS professionals to start working on GHS compliance as soon as possible...More
Nov. 30, 2011

article

Managing Compliance: How to Transition to GHS in the Workplace in Five Easy Steps

Many countries around the world have adopted the GHS, and the United States is scheduled to finalize its rule by January 2012, which will make global hazcom compliance much easier for U.S. companies....More