OSHA Workplace Hazard Communication Rule Requires Employee Training

New OSHA Workplace Hazard Communication Rule Requires Employee Training By 12/01/13
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) issued a final rule making changes to the agency’s existing Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM). The HAZCOM standard has been in effect since 1983 and requires chemical manufacturers to label hazardous chemicals, prepare Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) describing potential chemical hazards and provide safe handling instructions for downstream employers. Under the existing HAZCOM program, employers must inform employees of the presence of hazardous chemicals in the workplace by; ensuring containers are properly labeled; providing access to material safety data sheets; and conducting hazardous chemical training.