OSHA issued a proposed rule on Feb. 5 updating the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
The proposed rule is meant to increase worker protections and reduce chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by improving information provided on labels and in Safety Data Sheets of hazardous chemicals.
Some modifications would enhance the effectiveness of the standard by improving information on hazards so employees are made more aware of exposure to chemical hazards in the workplace.
Other modifications will also address issues since the implementation of the 2012 standard and improve alignment with other federal agencies and Canada, according to a Department of Labor news release.
Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted electronically at regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, under Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001.
The deadline for submitting comments is April 19, 2021.
More details can be found here.