OSHA The Right To Know Right to Know

OSHA & The Right To Know

Right to Know The legal principle that the individual has the right to know the chemicals to which they may be exposed in their daily living Community Right to Know Workplace Right to Know

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration Issued the Hazard Communication standard that became effective in 1985

Information Available Chemical information Injury and illness records which most employers are required to keep. Accident investigation reports

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) and labels for hazardous chemicals used or present in the workplace. Chemical inventories required by federal and state regulations. Records of monitoring and measurement of worker exposure

Hazard Communication Centerpiece of the workplace right to know movement Requires chemical manufacturers and employers to communicate information to workers about the hazards of workplace chemicals or products. Info from MSDS sheets

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) No standard format Product identity and ingredients by chemical or common name Physical hazards Health hazards Legal exposure limits

Exposure records Monitoring or measurement for exposure to: Dusts, fumes, or gases in the air. Absorption of a chemical into the body, e. g. blood lead levels. Noise exposure. Radiation exposure. Spores, fungi, or other biological contaminants.

Medical records Voluntary employee assistance programs (alcohol, drug abuse, or personal counseling programs) Health insurance claims