OSHA’s Second Most Cited Standard: Hazard Communication

In the fast-paced routine of daily work life, it’s easy to overlook the lurking dangers concealed behind mundane tasks. Imagine this: a typical day at work, a cleaning crew diligently conducting a deep cleaning on the floors, when suddenly, a spillage occurs. A bottle of ammonia-based cleaner topples over, filling the air with noxious fumes. Panic ensues as employees start to feel unwell, and an employee has asked for medical care, victim to an unwitting encounter with a hazardous substance.

Little did the company realize that this incident would unravel a series of events shedding light on the backstage world of workplace safety and the crucial role of Hazard Communication (Hazcom) standards.

EMT’s respond and ask for the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for the cleaning fluid and/or the labeled container for the cleaning agent.  The company supervisor was unable to provide causing the EMT’s to recommend medical care.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the guardian of workplace safety, springs into action. Upon receiving the incident report, they dispatch an inspector to the accident scene. The unsuspecting Operations Leader is caught off guard as the inspector requests to review the company’s Hazcom Program and refers to the “Right to Know Law”.

Turning to his colleagues for support, the Operations Leader is met with blank stares and bewildered expressions. “What is that?” they ask, signaling a gap in their understanding of workplace safety requirements.

In this moment, the veil is lifted, exposing a critical aspect of occupational health and safety: the Hazard Communication Standard, standing prominently as the second most cited OSHA standard.

So, what’s the next step? It begins with education—empowering every employee, from the CEO to the janitor, with the knowledge they need to navigate the chemical landscape of the modern workplace. It entails investing in training programs, updating safety protocols, and fostering a culture of vigilance and accountability.

Here are some key points to consider for compliance:

1. Understanding Regulatory Requirements: The Hazcom standard delineates specific requirements concerning chemical labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), employee training, and hazard communication programs. Employers may encounter challenges in grasping and interpreting these requirements accurately for their particular workplace. Seeking assistance from experienced professionals can streamline the process.
2. Chemical Inventory and Classification: Employers must maintain an accurate inventory of chemicals used in the workplace and classify them correctly based on their hazards. Determining appropriate hazard classifications and understanding chemical properties can be intricate and time-consuming, but once set up, minimal effort to continue to maintain.
3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Employers need to ensure that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals present in the workplace. Keeping SDS up-to-date and easily accessible can be challenging, particularly in environments with numerous chemicals. Seeking a vendor management service can help streamline this for an employer.
4. Chemical Labeling: Employers are obligated to ensure that all containers of hazardous chemicals are properly labeled with the chemical identity and appropriate hazard warnings. Compliance with labeling requirements can be demanding, especially when dealing with secondary containers or containers from multiple suppliers. Training personnel working with these chemicals is crucial.
5. Employee Training: OSHA mandates employers provide comprehensive training to employees on the hazards of chemicals present in the workplace, as well as proper handling, storage, and use of these chemicals, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and spill cleanup procedures.
6. Changes in Chemical Inventory and Hazards: As workplaces evolve and new chemicals are introduced, employers must continually assess and update their hazard communication programs to reflect changes in the chemical inventory and associated hazards.

Failure to comply with Hazcom standards can result in citations, fines, and penalties from OSHA. To ensure compliance, employers should prioritize understanding the requirements of the Hazcom standard, implement a robust hazard communication program, provide comprehensive employee training, and regularly review and update their procedures.

If you’re an employer striving for Hazcom compliance, our team is here to assist you. We’ll guide you through the intricacies of the OSHA standard and provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. Reach out to us today to schedule your complimentary review at ContactUs@eGage.net or click here to take the first step towards a thorough evaluation of your Hazcom process.