Every day, employees in various workplaces handle or are incidentally exposed to hazardous substances that pose significant health risks and safety hazards. In recognizing this critical issue, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the Hazard Communication Standard, which mandates that any workplace handling hazardous substances must develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program tailored to the specific hazards of a site. This program must be readily accessible to all employees and their representatives, as well as to OSHA inspectors.
No matter the size of the facility or the number of hazardous substances present, it is crucial for both employers and employees to be able to identify hazardous substances effectively, understand the health risks associated with these chemicals, and adhere to safe working practices. Customizing a written HazCom Program helps address the unique needs of a workplace, resulting in significantly enhanced safety.
An effective HazCom Program should clearly outline the responsibilities for its implementation, maintenance, and periodic review, along with detailed procedures for complying with all aspects of the Hazard Communication Standard.
If you’re thinking about implementing a HazCom Program of your own, below are some key things to consider and include:
- Comprehensive Inventory of Hazardous Substances: Employers must maintain a list of all hazardous substances in the workplace. It can be organized for your operation as a whole or for individual work areas, it’s just important that it serves as a vital checklist to ensure that all hazardous substances are accompanied by Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and proper labeling.
- Accessibility to Safety Data Sheets: Each hazardous material used or stored in your workplace must have a corresponding SDS that provides detailed information on the nature of the hazards, along with guidelines for safe usage, storage, and disposal. These SDSs must include all sections required by OSHA and be easily accessible to all employees.
- Employee Training and Awareness Programs: Effective training is essential. Your employees must be trained on the HazCom Program’s details, including its location and accessibility, the identification and locations of hazardous substances, and how to interpret SDSs and label information. Training should cover the physical and health hazards of substances, detection methods for releases or presence, and necessary precautions for protection during normal operations and emergency situations. It should also be provided at the start of employment or when a new hazard is introduced and must be suitable for the educational level, literacy, and language understanding of the employees.
- Labels and Hazard Warnings: Employers are required to use clear, legible labels and other forms of warnings to effectively communicate the contents of containers, associated hazards, safety precautions, and the manufacturer’s details. These labels and warnings must be placed so that they are easily visible and legible at all times. Any damaged or missing labels must be promptly replaced to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
Establishing a thorough HazCom Program is more than a regulatory requirement, it’s an important aspect of workplace safety that will protect your employees by ensuring they are well-informed about the hazards they face and the precautions necessary to work safely. This means you can benefit from a more informed workforce and compliance with OSHA standards. And by continuously updating and adhering to a well-structured program, you can better facilitate a workplace safety culture that significantly minimizes risks.
