OSHA and the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication renew alliance

Alliance to reduce, prevent worker exposure to chemical hazards

By Jesse Lawder

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration renewed its alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication to reduce and prevent worker exposure to chemicals hazards. The alliance also intends to increase awareness of the requirements of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers under the OSH Act.

“American workers use thousands of chemicals every day, and every year tens of thousands of workers are made sick or die from occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Our renewed partnership with SCHC will extend our efforts toward ensuring healthier workers and safer workplaces.”

OSHA and SCHC will develop information materials on the health and physical hazards of chemicals, and elements of a GHS-compliant label and Safety Data Sheets based on OSHA requirements. In addition, SCHC will host OSHA training seminars and webinars on hazard communication health and safety issues. Through the alliance, OSHA reached more than 28,000 attendees during two previous OSHA webinars.

SCHC is a professional society promoting the improvement of hazard communication for chemicals. The group comprises 724 members representing industrial, consumer and specialty chemical companies, pharmaceutical firms, manufacturers, distributors and importers, government agencies, universities and consultants. The alliance agreement has been renewed for five years.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.