DOL Issues News Release Regarding OSHA Updating the Hazard Communication Standards
On May 20, 2024, the Department of Labor announced a final rule from its Occupational Safety and Health Administration that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard to protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets. This will allow first responders and workers to react quickly in the event of an emergency. The updates will take effect on July 19, 2024, Aligned primarily with the seventh revision of the UN's Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals the updated standard will require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable and makes changes to ensure trade secrets no longer prevent workers and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets. Workers will also receive a clearer hazard classification process to provide more complete and accurate hazard information on labels and safety data sheets; there...