The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has
partnered with Health Canada to continue to align United States and Canadian regulatory
approaches to the labelling and classification requirements for workplace chemicals through the
regulatory cooperation council. This partnership aims to maintain consistencies throughout North
America for hazardous chemical labeling. Ultimately, the two organizations hope to implement a
system which allows the use of one label and one safety data sheet in both companies. This
renewed partnership is in response to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013 by
OSHA and Health Canada to promote ongoing collaboration on implementing the Globally
Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling in both jurisdictions.
“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 previously aligned its Hazard Communication Standard with the Globally Harmonized
System in March of 2012. So if you are using anything older, then you run the risk of OSHA
citations, hefty fines, and injuries to your employees.
If you have any questions about how this partnership could impact your business or about your
hazardous communication standards in general, please contact us. If you have anything to add
about the importance of updated hazardous communication policies and procedures or about the
importance of this partnership, please leave a comment.
Leave A Comment