OSHA is considering potential updates to its Hazard Communication Standard, in order to stay aligned with the most recent revision of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals promises a standardized method for identifying and communicating chemical hazards throughout the world. More than 60 countries have adopted GHS, which was created and published by the United Nations.
"By all indications, Wayne Lumber and Mulch failed to take the violations we found in 2014 seriously,” said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office, after a recent inspection at the company’s Wayne, W. Virginia facility that resulted in three willful, nine repeat, 12 serious and three other-than-serious violations.
With the deadlines for “Globally Harmonized System” (GHS) label compliance now past for chemical manufacturers, distributors, and end users, OSHA has some stiff fines planned for those not yet with the program.
An effective HAZCOM program depends on the credibility of management's involvement in the program; inclusion of employees in safety and health decisions; rigorous worksite analysis to identify hazards and potential hazards, including those which could result from a change in worksite conditions or practices; stringent prevention and control measures; and thorough training.
OSAH and Health Canada -- the Canadian government department responsible for the country’s national public health -- have jointly developed a 2016-2017 Workplace Chemicals Work Plan.
Two employees of a company that sells and installs fire extinguishers were injured severely on Feb. 12, 2016, when a compressed gas cylinder designed for a fire-suppression system exploded while they were attempting to fill it with compressed air from a high-pressure source.
When OSHA enforcement personnel arrived at Albion Mill in Albion, Pennsylvania on Feb. 10, 2016, they expected to find hazards identified during a 2013 inspection abated. Instead, they found that the company:
