In 2012, OSHA Adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification labeling of chemicals into its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012). June 1, 2016 marked the end of the three-year transition period and all employers must be complaint with the regulations. This standard aims to keep your employees safe by making it easy for workers to identify potentially hazardous chemicals and the risks associated with those chemicals. Each year, employers struggle to comply with this standard and are cited by OSHA for a violation. In fiscal year 2014, Hazard Communication was the second most frequently sited violation, with 6,148 total violations at a cost of over $40,000 per incident. The top citations included:
- Employee information and training
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining a written hazard communication program
- Developing and maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Labels on shipped containers
- Employee training on new label elements and SDS format by December 1, 2013
GHS Deadlines Checklist
- December 1, 2013- Employees Trained
- June 1, 2014- Comply with modified provisions
- December 1, 2015- Can no longer ship products with old labels
- June 1, 2016- Update Workplace labeling and hazard communication programs as necessary. Provide additional training for newly identified physical or health hazards
June 1, 2016 Labeling Requirements:
Hazard Pictograms: There are nine pictograms in total that symbolize health, physical and environmental hazard information. The Pictograms are black and white images outlined in a red diamond
Signal Words: Either ‘Danger’ or ‘Warning’ is used to convey the level of severity of the hazardous chemical.
Hazard Statements: Assigned phrases in relation to hazard classes and hazard categories that detail the chemical hazards.
Precautionary Statements: Detailed measure assigned to hazard statements given to minimize or prevent the adverse effects from physical, heal, or environmental hazards.
Missed A Deadline?
Contact us today to ensure your business is compliant. CBT offers a Hazard Communication Comprehensive Training Program that covers all aspects of the GHS deadlines. 
