New issues in right-to-know

Developing a compliance program to meet OSHA's right-to-know requirements demands a through knowledge of the Federal standard as well as the proposed changes to the standard and how all of this activity at the Federal level relates to state and local requirements. OSHA's HAZ/COM standard is the most far-reaching standard by the agency in its 15 year history. OSHA acknowledges that compliance is a complex and time-consuming process. However, the Agency is currently providing assistance to manufacturers to prepare for compliance. For example, OSHA's instructions to its compliance officers provide insight into how the Agency will judge compliance. Additionally, OSHA has a slide show, developed for its compliance officers, that is now available to all interested parties. These materials are available from your local OSHA office. Right-to-know requirements are here to stay. All employers will be facing some type of requirements. It behooves all manufacturers to understand and respond to requirements as appropriate.