The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed to amend its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized Communication System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals ("GHS").
Under the HCS, chemical manufacturers and importers must evaluate hazards of chemicals and provide information to future users. Most are familiar with the hazard communication program with which employers must comply. The proposed rules would address inconsistencies in the OSHA HCS program and the GHS program to align the two standards.