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TRAINING: HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS A Winning HazCom Gameplan Five ways to keep workers safe through implementing an effective hazard communications program. BY RICK GEHRKE Missing or inadequate hazard communication pro- grams were OSHA’s no. 1 cited issue in 2022 in the general industry sector. There were a total of 2,424 cited violations, which moved it up from the num- ber two spot the previous year when it was second only to respira- tory protection. Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to clas- sify the hazards of chemicals they produce or import, and all em- ployers are required to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed. OSHA requires this to be done through a written hazard communication (HazCom) program, labels, other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and training. It’s common to associate hazardous chemicals with images of barrels of toxic liquids and large pools of waste. But in reality, even common substances like paints, cleaners, degreasers, or de- tergents in the workplace may be considered hazardous chemi- cals. Without an effective hazard communication program, you could be putting workers at risk and face financial penalties. An effective HazCom program ensures all hazardous chemicals in the facility are identified and labeled, and that up-to-date, properly written safety data sheets are available. It also includes provisions for training all potentially exposed employees on chemical hazards, safe handling, and protective measures. Below are five key steps to ensuring your HazCom program is successful. 1. Document Inventory and Exposure HazCom programs start with inventorying and classifying any hazardous chemicals a facility produces, imports, handles, or 48 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2023 www.ohsonline.com Ivelin Radkov/Shutterstock.com