The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it is partnering with Health Canada to streamline chemical hazard labeling standards between the two countries.
The goal is to make communication more clear and consistent so that chemical hazards can be easily understood.
"We work in a global environment with varying and sometimes conflicting national and international requirements," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Through this partnership, OSHA and Health Canada will work together to reduce inconsistencies among hazard communication regulations and provide concise information to protect workers exposed to hazardous chemicals without reducing current protections."
OSHA already aligned its Hazard Communication Standard with GHS, which aims to provide common labeling practices for chemical dangers. Canada approved similar regulations in February this year.
To help make its Hazard Communication adjustments easy to understand and implement, OSHA also launched a website with FAQs, fact sheets and Quick Cards. Check it out here.
"Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious threats facing American workers today," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. "Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive."
