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TRAINING: HAZARD COMMUNICATION How to Harness Hazard Communication Training There are multiple benefits of hazard communication training. What are they and how do you get started? BY GEN HANDLEY All of us, regardless of industry, face safety hazards at work. Some are obvious like heavy machinery or working from tall heights, while some are less obvious such as workplace violence and biological hazards including viruses or dangerous wildlife. Yes, some are more dangerous than oth- ers, but they are still occupational hazards nonetheless and must be communicated to those affected, promptly and properly. What is hazard communication? This is where hazard communication – as well as the training and education of employees around that very important communication – comes in. By most definitions, hazard communication is a standardized language and/or processes that notify employees about occupational hazards, particularly toxic chemicals and substances. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Stan- dard (HCS) requires employers to educate workers about the identities and hazards of specific chemicals, including labels and safety data sheets, as well as safety train- ing on how to handle chemicals properly. Hazard communication is based on a set of internationally recognized pictograms, as well as hazard statements and warning words; it’s aligned with the Globally Har- monized System of Classification and La- beling of Chemicals (GHS). What is hazard communication training? In order to best ensure that a company’s employees understand hazard commu- nication, provide thorough training to all people handling or working around dangerous chemicals. OHSA1 states, “Em- ployers are required to train workers on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.” Additionally, under Standard 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication2, OSHA says the employer is responsible for developing a hazard communication pro- gram which can include: ■ List of hazardous chemicals currently in use ■ Chemical container labels, stickers and decals ■ Safety data sheets ■ Training programs about chemical hazards and protective measures What Are the Benefits? There are many benefits of hazard com- munication training: Improved occupational safety. The most significant and obvious benefit of hazard communication training is in- creased protection of employees by im- proved handling, storage and transporta- tion of dangerous chemicals at work. This educates team members on how to work with and around certain chemicals so that they are not harmed – to proactively take measures in chemical handling and stor- age now so that accidents don’t happen in the future. Strengthened internal communica- tion. Training improves communication between employees and reduces accidents because everyone is speaking the same language, so to speak. Using an internally recognized set of pictograms and language to communicate hazards about chemicals, prevent any confusion, misinterpretation, Giruba_86/Shutterstock.com and as a result, harmful accidents or mis- takes. Enhanced emergency response. As much as we try to prevent accidents from happening, they sometimes inevitably oc- cur, no matter how much preparation we perform now. When they do occur, as in a chemical spill or release, employees trained in hazard communication will be able to respond faster and in a coordinated manner as they are all speaking the same language and using the same information. Boosted compliance. Additionally, training keeps the organization compli- ant with OHS legislation and regulations, preventing harmful injuries and litigation. It helps satisfy OSHA’s hazard communi- cation standard of providing training and education about chemical hazards and protective steps that can be taken now. Make sure you remain up-to-date on local safety legislation, regulations and industry standard3. Hazard Communication Program Hazard communication training can fall under a hazard communication program, which, as you will see below, entails a few more important elements that will benefit your team’s safety. Start with a chemical hazard assess- ment. One of the first steps you need to 42 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2023 www.ohsonline.com