What is "right to know"? Reviewing the Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard and its many components were revised in 1987 to include healthcare institutions, and enacted to protect employees and ensure a safer environment. "Compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will enable hospital managers (to) learn more about the types of hazardous materials they use and will allow hospital employees to work with them more safely." According to OSHA, regulations on hazardous chemicals will reduce the risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals for millions of employees and potentially save hundreds of lives. While compliance may be costly in terms of dollars, employees will have fewer work-related illnesses attributable to hazardous chemical exposure. As employees and the environment are better protected from the threat of hazardous chemical exposure, the purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard is served.