Strategic Lawyering OSHA Updates Chemical Workplace Safety Regulations to Conform with International Standards
Title of the contribution: OSHA Updates Chemical Workplace Safety Regulations to Conform with International Standards
Jurisdiction: USA
Authors: Karen Nardi, Lawrence Culleen, Blake Biles and Jonathan Koenig
Law firm: Arnold & Porter LLP
Subject: This contribution provides valuable information on the major overhaul of the Hazard Communication Standard, i.e. the US federal legislation designed to protect workers against chemical hazards in the workplace, recently undertaken by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The primary aim of the changes introduced by the OSHA is to conform the US federal requirements with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System – a unified international approach to hazard classification, labeling and safety data sheet. The new regulation became effective May 25, 2012 but implementation dates are staggered to give companies time to plan for and comply with the changes.