The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
revised its hazard communication standard, aligning it with the
United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals.
The hazard communication standard will be implemented fully in
2016 and benefit workers by reducing confusion about chemical
hazards in the workplace, facilitating safety training and
improving understanding of hazards, especially for low-literacy
workers. OSHA's standard will classify chemicals according to their
health and physical hazards and establish consistent labels and
safety data sheets for all imported and domestically made
chemicals.
The standard, once implemented, is expected to prevent an
estimated 43 deaths and 585 injuries and illnesses and result in an
estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S.
businesses each year. It also is expected to reduce trade barriers
and result in estimated annualized benefits with productivity
improvements for U.S. businesses that regularly handle, store and
use hazardous chemicals, as well as cost savings of $32.2 million
for U.S. businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and
labels for chemicals covered...
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