WASHINGTON –
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today renewed its alliance
with the Society
for Chemical Hazard Communication to reduce and prevent worker exposure to
chemicals hazards. The alliance also intends to increase awareness of the requirements
of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
and the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers under the OSH Act.
“American workers use
thousands of chemicals every day, and every year tens of thousands of workers
are made sick or die from occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals,” said
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David
Michaels. “Our renewed partnership with SCHC will extend our efforts toward
ensuring healthier workers and safer workplaces.”
OSHA and SCHC will develop
information materials on the health and physical hazards of chemicals, and
elements of a GHS-compliant label and Safety Data Sheets based on OSHA
requirements. In addition, SCHC will host OSHA training seminars and webinars
on hazard communication health and safety issues. Through the alliance, OSHA
reached more than 28,000 attendees during two previous OSHA webinars.
SCHC is a professional
society promoting the improvement of hazard communication for chemicals. The
group comprises 724 members representing industrial, consumer and specialty
chemical companies, pharmaceutical firms, manufacturers, distributors and
importers, government agencies, universities and consultants. The alliance agreement
has been renewed for five years.
Through its Alliance Program,
OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations,
faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational
institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The
purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and
resources, and to educate workers and employers about their rights and
responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from
OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.
Under the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and
healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these
conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing
standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more
information, visit www.osha.gov.
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