OSHA to Hold Hearing on Proposed Updates to Its Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA will hold an informal hearing in September to discuss proposed updates to the agency’s hazard communication standard. The hearing, which will be held virtually via WebEx, will begin on Sept. 21, 2021, at 10 a.m. EDT and continue on subsequent days if necessary. OSHA’s proposed rulemaking would update its hazard communication standard to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. According to the agency, the proposed updates are expected to increase worker protections and reduce the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by improving the information on labels and safety data sheets. OSHA has also proposed changes intended to address issues that have emerged since the standard was implemented in 2012 and improve alignment with international trading partners like Canada.

“[OSHA] has preliminarily determined that the proposed modifications would enhance the effectiveness of the standard by improving dissemination of hazard information so that employees are more appropriately apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed,” the agency’s website states.

Individuals who are interested in participating in the hearing are required to submit a notice of intent to appear. Further details about the hearing and how to attend are available in OSHA’s press release and in the Federal Register (PDF). The agency will post information about accessing the hearing on its website.