Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a toolkit to help employers and employees find safer alternatives to some of the more dangerous hazardous chemicals currently in use. OSHA’s standards regarding hazardous chemicals are woefully outdated, and many chemicals thought to be dangerous are still available and are still used, unregulated.

This toolkit is designed to help protect workers by explaining the process of eliminating those dangerous chemicals through informed substitution. The toolkit provides a step-by-step guide for this transition, and helps employers create a true and comprehensive chemical management system which goes far beyond basic OSHA standards. This form of a chemical management system provides a truly safe work environment for employees, while remaining cognizant of the bottom line of the company.

If your company uses hazardous chemicals, this toolkit is certainly worth looking at. Many of the substitutions are cost effective and efficient, and will reduce the potential of future onsite injuries. And should you be interested in establishing a proper chemical management system, but feel unprepared or unable to make such a change, it is always advisable to consult a qualified third party auditing company which specializes in OSHA standards and interpretations.

If you have any questions about the new Transitioning to Safer Chemicals Toolkit, please contact us and we will help you to understand what you need to do to create and maintain a safe work environment. Should you have anything to add about the importance of a chemical management system, please leave a comment.