News: OSHA HazCom Updates Take Effect July 19

Updates to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard will take effect on July 19, 2024. The updates include:

• Changes to labels on small packages to make them easier to read and understand.
• Revisions to ensure trade secrets do not prevent employees and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets.
• Clarification of the hazard classification process and the addition of related information on labels and safety data sheets.
• Physical hazard information on safe handling of explosives, aerosols and chemicals under pressure.
• More robust instructions on how to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals.

The HazComupdates are intended to align with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, standards enforced by other U.S. government agencies and hazard communication standards in Canada.

WorkCare’s Medical Exams & Travel team facilitates medical surveillance exams for employees with hazardous materials exposure risk, and our board-certified occupational medicine physicians consult with companies to help ensure compliance with HazCom and other OSHA standards. For more information on how we can support your organization’s health and safety needs, complete our contact form for more information today.