Harmonization Of Hazard Classification and Labeling

What is Harmonization Of Hazard Classification and Labeling?

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals is an international effort to have a common and consistent method of labeling hazardous materials. The objective is to have a classification system that allows information such as MSDS created in one location to be clearly understood in another part of the world. GHS is working toward developing consistency throughout the world and thus improve safety.

OSHA has an FAQ page about the Harmonization Of Hazard Classification and Labeling that is a good place to go for more information.

Official Business Link To The U.S. Government

Are you looking for information from the Federal government? Try the www.business.gov web site. This is the official Federal government web site for communicating with business. It provides the following general topic areas:

Business Laws
Employees
Finances
Government Contracting
International Trade
Other Entrepreneurial Communities
Research And Resources
Taxes
Training
Work Environments

The above link goes to the OSHA page which features information on topics such as:

Do I need to put up an OSHA poster in my workplace? Where can I get a copy?

How can I get help from OSHA to fix hazards in my workplace?

How can I get workplace safety and health training from OSHA?

What Cooperative Programs does OSHA offer?

What is OSHA doing about workplace violence and why?

Who needs to receive the hepatitis B vaccination?

These are just a sampling of the questions on the OSHA page. Each question has a brief answer that, if necessary, includes a phone number you can use to get more information. The www.business.gov web site is an excellent starting point when your business needs information from the Federal government.

Company President Convicted

Company President Convicted In Employee On-the-Job Deaths

More frequently company executives are being held responsible for safety problems and violations under their leadership. In this case an Arizona jury found the president of Far West Water and Sewer guilty of negligent homicide. In 2001 two workers were killed and another seriously injured after entering a confined space. The company was not following OSHA requirements for confined space entry -- Far West did not train its workers, did not follow required rescue procedures and did not test the air in the tank on the day of the incident.

The OSHA fine in this case was just $31,500, but the state of Arizona brought criminal charges.

An article on LifeLines Online reported: "In the Far West case, after a 22-day trial, the jury found the former president of the company, Brent Weidman, guilty of two counts of negligent homicide and two counts of endangerment in the deaths of 26-year-old James Gamble and 62-year-old Gary Lanser. Previously, the company had been convicted of five felony charges in the same incident and fined $1.77 million for its failure to adhere to OSHA’s Confined Space Standard. As president, Weidman was ultimately responsibility for the company’s safety practices."

I don't know the details of what happened in Arizaona. But when it comes to safety the resposibility starts at the top. Executives need to create a culture of safety. They need to ensure their workplace is safe through their leadership and the policies they require. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to walk around the workplace, talk to employees and see for themselves how their company is run at the lower levels.