US OSHA seeks to update HazCom

On February 5, 2021, federal OSHA issued a proposed rule to update the US Department of Labor's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS or HazCom) to align with the seventh revision of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

HazCom was established in 1983 to compel a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and substances. OSHA updated the standard in 2012 to align with the third revision of the GHS to provide an internationally coherent approach to classifying such materials and providing hazard information.

In support of its proposed rule, OSHA asserts the update will increase worker protection and reduce occupational illness and injury by continuing to improve the information on product labels and Safety Data Sheets. In particular, the new modifications are intended to align with standards implemented by other federal agencies and Canada.

Individuals and companies are entitled to submit public comments electronically prior to the April 19, 2021, deadline.