The Evolution of Workplace Hazard Communication
The modern workplace is constantly evolving. New hazards are identified. Safety standards are amended. Methods are improved. And with those shifts, the ways we communicate about workplace safety standards must evolve as well.
The current state of workplace safety is a far cry from that of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century(opens in a new tab), during which American workers in particular had to deal with significant hazards on a regular basis. Many of these hazards sprang from the large-scale introduction of machinery without the complementary introduction of new safety protocols. In fact, until relatively recently in our history, employers had little incentive to prioritize workers’ safety, and injured workers had few options for legal recourse. While patchwork regulations specific to state and industry cropped up throughout the twentieth century, no widespread, federal oversight was implemented until the establishment of OSHA(opens in a new tab) in 1970.
However, this is not to say that there is no room for improvement in modern American workplaces. As our workplaces experience yet another significant technological transformation in the modern day, hazard communication protocols must evolve along with them. If they don’t, we risk repeating the historical calamity of Gilded Age robber barons.
What are Hazard Communication Methods and Standards?
Hazard Communication (or HazCom) standards are regulations built around processes and procedures to keep workplace environments safe for employees when handling hazardous chemicals. In terms of employer obligation, HazCom has evolved from "right to know" law to a uniform and formal communication process that is prescriptive, visual, and written.
Therefore, an ideal workplace hazard communication strategy should leverage multiple channels of communication that are effective in both the long-term and short-term, as well as for preventative and responsive purposes.
Labeling and Signage
Appropriate labeling and signage are vital for workplace safety, both from a usability perspective and for legal compliance. Examples of appropriate labeling and signage include:
- HCS(opens in a new tab)-approved pictograms for toxic substances
- Labels listing hazardous materials in use
- Warning signs for temporary hazards such as wet floors
- Warning signs for permanent hazards such as heavy machinery usage
- Posted usage instructions for machinery
- Designations for different areas of a facility
Businesses should follow best practices for labeling and signage, such as ensuring readability. Iconography and wording should be clear, utilize a readable font, and provide multilingual warnings when necessary. Some cases require specific regulations for labeling and signage, such as those dictated by the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Businesses should ensure they have the necessary equipment to produce standardized labeling on-site as needed.
Training
Training is a vital preventative measure for workplace hazards. It ensures employees consistently understand how to use hazard communication methods. This training should take place during onboarding, whenever protocol updates occur, and as part of regular (typically annual) reviews.
Points of Contact
It is important to establish multiple communication channels to convey unique or urgent information. These points of contact can include:
- Phone contacts
- Direct messaging options
- Email communication
These channels ensure that people can quickly report evolving concerns and communicate identified problems immediately. Additionally, pairing communication channels with portable printing technology allows for the immediate creation and posting of custom warnings after being advised of a hazard.
Challenges for Large Corporations
One of the biggest shifts in the modern corporate landscape is the globalization of our economy(opens in a new tab). This impacts not only the size of companies but also the complexities of effective communication with manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders. These entities may operate under different corporate policies, languages, regulations, and priorities. While the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling(opens in a new tab) sets best practices for hazard communication among U.N.-affiliated nations, not all countries adhere to these standards.
Because of these discrepancies, large corporations must proactively educate their workforce about workplace safety expectations and enforce them rigorously. It is also essential to thoroughly research potential partner companies, set clear expectations for communication upfront, and collaborate on decisions regarding communication channels and labeling equipment.
Accessibility Considerations
Developing workplace communication standards requires careful consideration of accessibility. Ensuring inclusive hazard communication is not just a legal obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)(opens in a new tab) but also an ethical responsibility to guarantee all workers have equal access to critical safety information.
Key Accessibility Features for Hazard Communication:
- Large font sizes for signage
- Braille and text-to-voice options for receiving information
- Voice-to-text communication options for sending information
- Specialized training options for employees with disabilities
- Visual and tactile alarm systems
Additionally, in today’s globalized workforce, many employees speak different languages. To ensure safety information is fully understood, it is essential to provide workplace safety materials in employees' native languages whenever possible.
Employee Health and Safety
As mentioned, the formation of OSHA gave employers a heightened obligation to protect their employees' health and safety. Appropriate measures to ensure the safety of employees depend to some degree on the industry and the individual business’s unique procedures. However, some typical measures that employers are obligated to take in the interest of employee safety include:
- Safety training
- Appropriate labeling of hazardous materials
- Easy access to user guides
- Access to appropriate safety equipment, e.g., hard hats, gloves, cleaning supplies
- Limitation of access to dangerous areas
- Appropriate materials for daily use, e.g., ergonomic chairs, floor mats
- Ensuring HR is well-equipped to handle concerns and provide appropriate health information
Regulations and Standards
There are many safety communication regulation standards on federal and state levels, in addition to some industry-specific standards. However, some of the most notable federal standards are upheld and enforced by:
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OSHA(opens in a new tab)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the major regulatory agency for work safety standards in the United States. OSHA identifies seven core elements for a safety and health program: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and assessment, hazard prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation and improvement, and communication and coordination for host employers, contractors, and staffing agencies.
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HCS(opens in a new tab)
The Hazard Communication Standard is a section of OSHA dedicated to the proper labeling of hazardous materials in the workplace.
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ADA(opens in a new tab)
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply only to considerations for workplace safety communication, but it does play an important role in workplace safety communication standards by ensuring that workers with disabilities benefit equally from hazard communication.
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FLSA(opens in a new tab)
The Fair Labor Standards Act outlines legal obligations relating to child labor.
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MSHA(opens in a new tab)
The Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees safety standards in the mining industry, which poses a greater inherent risk to workers’ health and safety than many other professions.