From Transport to Workplace – Understanding HazCom 2024 & GHS

Article Summary

1. Transporting hazardous materials safely is only the first step—workplace handling introduces a separate set of compliance obligations.
2. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2024), aligned with GHS, governs how chemical hazards must be communicated to employees.
3. HazCom focuses on worker safety during use, storage, and disposal, complementing Dangerous Goods regulations that apply during transport.
4. Workplace hazard classifications under GHS may differ from transportation classifications, making it critical to understand and reconcile both systems.
5. Accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are required for every hazardous chemical to inform safe handling and emergency response.
6. Proper labeling—including standardized pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary language—is essential for compliance and clarity.
7. Integrating transport compliance with workplace HazCom requirements creates a continuous safety framework.
8. Companies that align DG and HazCom programs reduce risk, protect employees, and strengthen overall operational resilience.

Safely delivering hazardous materials to a facility is only half the battle. Once those chemicals are on site, a new set of compliance requirements applies—rules designed to protect the people who handle them every day. OSHA’s updated Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2024), aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), sets out clear guidelines for how hazards must be communicated in the workplace. This includes labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee training.

Why HazCom Matters
While Dangerous Goods regulations focus on transport safety, HazCom ensures workers have the knowledge and resources to handle materials safely during use, storage, and disposal.

Connecting DG & GHS
A substance’s transportation classification may not be identical to its workplace hazard classification. Recognizing and reconciling these differences is crucial for compliance and safety.

SDS and Labeling
Every hazardous chemical must be accompanied by an accurate SDS and labeled with standardized pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.

Conclusion
HazCom 2024 closes the loop on safety—ensuring that the same care taken in transport continues once materials are in use. Businesses that integrate transport and workplace compliance protect both their employees and their bottom line. 

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