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Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSHA News Release
2005 - 12/05/2005 - OSHA and SCHC Renew Alliance |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
Trade News Release December 5, 2005 Contact: Elaine Fraser Phone: (202) 693-1999 OSHA and SCHC Renew Alliance
Focus Continues on Improving Hazard Communication and Material Safety Data Sheets WASHINGTON -- Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jonathan L. Snare today signed a two-year renewal of the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) Alliance that will continue to focus on providing information and education on hazard communication and chemical safety. Through the OSHA and SCHC Alliance renewal, the organizations will continue to help advance a culture of injury and illness prevention, while sharing best practices on improving workplace safety and health. Originally signed on Oct. 22, 2003, one of the Alliance's aims is to distribute information and increase awareness about the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. GHS is a single, globally harmonized system to address the classification of chemicals, labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs). "This Alliance has served as an excellent mechanism for helping enhance the safety and health of workers in the chemical industry," Snare said. "We are excited about continuing our relationship with SCHC to empower employees in reducing and preventing exposure to chemical hazards, and addressing hazard communication and MSDSs in the workplace." Added Michele Sullivan, chair of SCHC's Board of Directors: "In the past 2 years, SCHC's Alliance with OSHA has provided outreach and partnership opportunities to promote effective hazard communication and awareness of the GHS. SCHC is proud to extend our Alliance with OSHA and hopes by working together we will continue to make progress in improving the effectiveness of hazard communication tools and practices in the United States." As a direct result of the Alliance, OSHA and SCHC updated OSHA's Hazard Communication Safety and Health Topics page. SCHC also developed an MSDS checklist. In addition, OSHA and SCHC will continue to work together to increase employees' access to safety and health information and outreach programs. Both organizations will also continue to develop and disseminate injury and hazard information at conferences and events, and through print and electronic media. SCHC is a nonprofit organization that promotes the improvement of the business of hazard communication for chemicals, and provides guidance or technical expertise to private, government and nonprofit groups. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # # This news release text is on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999. |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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