Hazardous Substance Center: a poison center's workers right to know program.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Toxicology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Workers Right To Know (WRTK) legislation mandates hazard communication for employees and communities.
• Compliance presents significant challenges and costs for businesses, industries, and non-profit organizations.
• Existing resources may not adequately support businesses in interpreting complex chemical safety information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and services of the Hazardous Substance Center (HSC) as a solution for WRTK compliance.
• To outline how the HSC assists businesses in understanding hazardous substance information and managing exposures.
• To highlight the HSC's role in supporting the educational components of WRTK legislation.

Main Methods:

• The HSC provides a 24-hour toxicology resource for interpreting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Utilizes online databases and reference materials to respond to employee and medical professional inquiries.
• Documents cases using the AAPCC Report Form and analyzes data for trend identification.
• Offers a hazardous substance labeling program for client organizations.

Main Results:

• The HSC successfully assists businesses in interpreting chemical health effects and managing exposures.
• Data analysis identifies trends to improve client compliance with WRTK educational requirements.
• The HSC provides a structured labeling program for hazardous substances.
• The service generates revenue for the poison center through annual contracts.

Conclusions:

• The HSC serves as a vital resource for businesses navigating WRTK compliance.
• Poison centers can effectively support occupational health and safety through specialized services.
• The HSC model demonstrates a sustainable approach to assisting industry with chemical safety regulations.