Julie Su Acting United States Secretary of Labor | Official Website
The Department of Labor announced today a final rule from its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard. The new rule aims to enhance worker protection by improving the quantity and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets, thereby enabling workers and first responders to respond more swiftly in emergencies. The updates will come into effect on July 19, 2024.
The updated standard is primarily aligned with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It will require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable. Furthermore, it introduces changes designed to ensure that trade secrets do not hinder workers and first responders from accessing critical hazard information on safety data sheets.
The updated standard also brings other benefits for workers, including a clearer hazard classification process to provide more complete and accurate hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. It updates physical hazard classes to better inform users about safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. Moreover, it provides updated precautionary statements on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous chemicals.
The final rule also addresses issues that have arisen since the implementation of the 2012 standard and improves alignment with other federal agencies as well as Canada.
Established in 1983, the Hazard Communication Standard offers a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. OSHA last updated the standard in 2012 to align with the third revision of the GHS, providing a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information.
To learn more about OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard or watch a short video about the improved rule in English or Spanish, visit the department's YouTube page.
