New OSHA rules for GHS may affect global safety labeling programs

Dec. 29, 2011 - PRLog -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving forward towards aligning their Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with GHS, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It was recently announced that OSHA had submitted the Final Rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revising the current Hazard Communication Standard, with approval expected soon.  Alignment of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard with GHS will affect five million workplaces in the United States and is expected to prevent many fatalities and injuries, as well as save millions of dollars each year.

Within months OSHA may have new requirements for businesses in the United States, making it important for employers to understand the impact alignment with GHS will have on compliance. The time to prepare for the transition to GHS is now. New elements will be required on GHS compliant labels to help convey needed information about each of the hazard classes and hazard categories using standardized elements, such as symbols, pictograms, signal words and hazard statements.  Effective labeling is a key component of workplace safety by relaying important information to anyone who may be exposed to potential chemical hazards.  Failure to maintain labeling compliance can result in increased accident/injury rates, costly fines and penalties, and decreased efficiency and production.

Industrial Safety Solutions, a front-runner in OSHA safety labeling program support, has expressed a renewed dedication to HCS and GHS clients. “In the current economic landscape, many businesses are seeking to achieve their safety and compliance goals affordably,” noted Joe Lyman, Business Development Manager at Industrial Safety Solutions.  “We are dedicated to helping companies reach those goals by providing safety labeling solutions that everyone can work with.”
 
To learn more about affordable GHS compliance labeling products, search:  “Industrial Safety Solutions”. For more information call Industrial Safety Solutions toll-free at 877-762-9280.