Inadequate Training Called Top Reason For Breaches of New Communications Rule

Insufficient worker training has been the top reason for citations under the revised hazard communication standard since that requirement took effect in December, an enforcement official with the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Sept. 30.

“We don’t expect employees to memorize what employers told them, but they certainly should be familiar with where to get information,” Sven J. Rundman III said during a presentation at the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication’s fall meeting. “If we get a glazed look in an employee’s eye, we’re going to dig a little more into a training program.”

Violations of OSHA’s ...