Why Hazard Communication Training is Essential for Compliance

Hazard Communication is a system that ensures employees are informed about the hazards of chemicals and other hazardous materials in their workplace, and are trained to handle them. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for HCS enforcement and updates, and employers should always be aware of the most up-to-date procedures regarding Hazard Communication. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to:

● Identify all hazardous chemicals in the workplace

● Label chemical containers correctly

● Maintain and provide access to SDSs

● Train employees on the hazards and safe handling of chemicals

● Train employees to know their rights under HCS

● Develop a written hazard communication program outlining how they plan to implement the HCS

If your company uses products like solvents, cleaners, paints, adhesives, fuels, or any other substance involving health hazards or physical hazards, you must comply with this standard.

The HCS is tied closely to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which provides the criteria for chemical hazard classification and attempts to standardize hazard information clearly and concisely. Most people recognize the GHS as the series of diamond-shaped pictograms on chemical containers that display hazard data via an image and number. This labeling system allows anyone to understand what chemical they are dealing with, and, if they’ve been trained, how the chemical should be handled.

To meet OSHA requirements and truly protect your employees, your Hazard Communication training program should include these essential elements:

● Label Recognition and Understanding: Employees must be able to recognize and interpret the standardized labels used on chemical containers. This includes understanding signal words like “Danger” or “Warning,” and recognizing hazard pictograms. Training should help workers connect these visual cues to real-world risks and safe handling practices.

● Using Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Every hazardous chemical in your workplace should have an accompanying SDS, and your employees need to know how to read and use them effectively. Training should focus on helping workers locate critical information within the 16-section format, such as health hazards, PPE requirements, first aid instructions, and emergency response procedures. Employees should feel confident using SDSs as reference tools before, during, and after chemical use.

● Chemical Handling Procedures: Workers need to know how to safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous chemicals. Training should include practical information on preventing spills, avoiding incompatible storage, using the right personal protective equipment (PPE), and understanding proper disposal methods. These procedures should be tailored to the specific chemicals and operations at your facility to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

● Emergency Response Training: Employees must be prepared to act quickly and correctly if a chemical emergency occurs. Training should cover the use of emergency equipment like eyewash stations and safety showers, as well as spill containment, evacuation procedures, and how to respond to chemical exposures.

For more information on creating a HazCom training program, check out OSHA’s Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals.

To ensure your Hazard Communication program remains compliant, effective, and up to date, your company should focus on the following key practices:

● Keep Detailed Training Records: Accurate documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance during inspections and audits. OSHA requires employers to keep HazCom training records for as long as the employee is employed. Records should include the date of training, the topics covered, the names and signatures of attendees, and the trainer’s information. These documents serve as proof that employees received the required instruction and help you track who needs refresher or updated training.

● Update Training as Needed: HazCom training is not a one-time event. Anytime new chemicals are introduced, processes change, or updated safety information becomes available, training must be refreshed. While this is technically not required, as HazCom training is only officially required at the time of hire, annual training helps you maintain compliance and ensure safety.

● Evaluate and Improve: Not only should training be updated regularly to account for new processes or safety information, but you should also regularly assess the effectiveness of your training through employee feedback, safety audits, and incident reviews. When doing this, look for knowledge gaps, misunderstandings, or unsafe behaviors that suggest areas for improvement, and use these insights to refine your approach to HazCom training. In 2024, Hazard Communication was second on OSHA’s list of the most frequently cited violations, with 2,888 total citations. Non-compliance with OSHA’s HCS opens your company up to fines and penalties that can seriously damage your reputation, and this can be tenfold if your lack of compliance leads to a workplace incident.

Hazard Communication training is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a frontline defense against injury, illness, and workplace incidents. Chemicals can cause a wide range of health effects, including skin burns and irritation, respiratory issues from inhaling fumes, eye injuries from splashes or vapors, and long-term conditions from chronic exposure. Training gives your employees the knowledge they need to avoid these hazards. On the other hand, a lack of proper training can lead to dangerous workplace incidents.

Compliance is only the beginning. When you take Hazard Communication seriously, you send a clear message to your workforce: safety matters here. A strong HazCom training program helps build a safety culture that values awareness, responsibility, and proactive behavior. When employees are trained properly, they are more likely to follow procedures, recognize hazards early, and take action to prevent incidents before they happen. This mindset leads to a safer, more engaged workforce where communication about risks is open and encouraged.

Companies that emphasize ongoing safety education often experience fewer accidents, reduced downtime, and greater employee satisfaction. Workers feel respected and protected when they see that leadership takes chemical hazards seriously. Over time, this commitment to safety becomes part of the company’s identity—not just a policy on paper, but a shared value that shapes daily decisions. Investing in quality training also shows regulators, clients, and partners that your company values safety and professionalism.

Hazard Communication training is essential for compliance, but it also plays a critical role in protecting your workforce and supporting safe and efficient operations. If your company deals with any hazardous chemicals or materials, you need to make sure your HazCom program is a living, breathing part of your workplace culture, something that is adhered to in day-to-day tasks. Start by asking yourself:

● Have all employees received HazCom training?

● Do they understand the risks of the chemicals they use?

● Are labels, SDSs, and written procedures up to date and accessible?

● Are you tracking training and updating it when necessary?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, now is the time to act. HCS compliance keeps your people safe, and nothing is more important than that. Make HazCom training a priority today, and lead the way in building a safer workplace for everyone.

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