Hazard Communication has seen many updates in 2012 with the evolution of standards that have caused many companies to adjust to the new standards. The new standards have required chemical manufacturers to update their labeling on hazardous chemicals. Hazardous Communication has also shifted prospective from the “right to know” to the “right to understand”. It is important for your company to understand these changes and the consequences of not making the required updates.
Hazard Communication has seen many updates in 2012 with the evolution of standards that have caused many companies to adjust to the new standards. The new standards have required chemical manufacturers to update their labeling on hazardous chemicals. Hazardous Communication has also shifted prospective from the “right to know” to the “right to understand”. It is important for your company to understand these changes and the consequences of not making the required updates.
Hazardous labeling has been updated so standardized labels are used. Each chemical is in a specific category based on potential dangers or working with or around the chemical. The labels are specific in color and design. The Hazard Communication labeling system for hazardous chemicals has been adopted in many countries and should help streamline international commerce.
The philosophy of Hazard Communication has shifted from the “right to know” to the “right to understand”. This subtle, yet incredibly important difference focuses on the employee’s knowledge of the material and the potential dangers they face by working with the chemical. Some hazardous chemicals react in very volatile ways when in certain environments. The employee has the right to understand what causes the reaction. The logic behind the new ideology is the employee that works with the hazardous chemical will be better equipped and safer overall by understanding the different ways the hazard could react. A safer working environment is then created for all employees at the facility.
An Environmental Health and Safety Consultant can work with your company is in compliance for the new changes, and to ensure any new updates are also being addressed as needed. The recent changes show it is important for an ongoing relationship with a Consultant to ensure mandates are being met moving forward. OSHA can levy costly fines for any violations and claiming ignorance of the new policies is not a valid excuse. Some companies have violations so severe that the daily operations are completely disrupted while immediate changes are being made.
Click hereto contact an Environmental Health and Safety Consultant to begin working with your company on an ongoing basis. This relationship will ensure your company is up to date with the latest policies being passed. Employees can enjoy safer working conditions further training to increase their understanding of their role. The company will benefit by avoiding any unnecessary fines from OSHA and staying in compliance with the continually changing regulation of Hazard Communication.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
