OSHA, Health Canada Develop Joint Workplace Chemicals Work Plan
The updated plan will align labeling and classification for the hazards of workplace chemicals.
OSHA and Health Canada have announced the development of a 2016-2017 Workplace Chemical Work Plan that will ensure future workplace chemical requirements are acceptable in the United States and Canada without reducing safety.
According to an OSHA news release, the plan involves activities to support developing materials to assist stakeholders with implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS), coordinating opinions on issues that come from international discussions on GHS, and maintaining alignment between the U.S. and Canadian requirements for implementing the GHS when revisions are made.
"This plan is part of ongoing efforts between OSHA and Health Canada to reduce regulatory barriers between U.S. and Canadian systems responsible for chemical safety and provide concise information to protect workers exposed to hazardous chemicals," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.