In companies all across the United States, hard-working employees have jobs that expose them to the dangers of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The Hazard Communication Standard—nicknamed HazCom — was created by OSHA to protect and inform employees of potential workplace hazards.
Adopted as OSHA HazCom 2012 in March 2012, this updated standard aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling – introducing an internationally accepted set of label warnings and a standardized 16-section SDS format. The adoption of GHS brought great advancements toward safer workplaces and the reduction of international trade barriers. By the June 2016 deadline, five million workplaces (representing 40 million workers) were expected to meet GHS standards. But many organizations were confronted with challenges that have kept them from achieving safe and compliant workplaces.