Abrams also reminded participants that training must be done in the language employees understand. She said, “If work instructions are given in a language other than English, OSHA may expect training to be in that same language to be effective.” As an exclamation point to this, Abrams called attention to OSHA’s recent focus on workplace protection for immigrants and Latino workers.
The MSDSonline EH&S blog can attest that training is the area of greatest concern for many of its readers, and MSDSonline has been quick to respond with a brand new HazCom 2012 online training course. Additional courses are under development.
Another item Abrams presentation touched on was MSHA’s take on GHS. She pointed out that the Mine Safety Health Administration had not yet placed the HazCom revision on its agenda. Nevertheless, in conversations she’s had with people close to the issue, it looks like MSHA may be prepared to accept compliance with HazCom 2012 even before changes are formally made to MSHA Standard 30 CFR Part 47. The key phrase in the last sentence being “may be prepared”…meaning there’s nothing official…but it’s something to have on the radar.
If you would like to learn more about Adele Abrams and her safety law practice, visit www.safety-law.com
To learn more about MSDSonline and our GHS related solutions, visit www.MSDSonline.com