Who is required to comply with the Hazard Communications Standard?

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires that employers ensure their employees are informed about the chemical hazards they may encounter at work. By mandating that employers with one or more employees comply with this standard, the regulation is designed to foster a safe workplace. Employers are responsible for providing accurate information about chemicals, such as safety data sheets and proper labeling of hazardous substances.

This compliance helps prevent accidents and health risks associated with hazardous chemicals, as employees will be better informed about the risks and safety measures. Chemical manufacturers, while they have their own responsibilities regarding labeling and data sheets, are not solely responsible for the entire scope of the HCS compliance, which primarily focuses on workplace safety and employer-employee communication.

Options involving employees without supervision, chemical manufacturers only, or customers do not capture the primary responsibility placed on employers. The emphasis of the HCS is on the employer's duty to safeguard their workers by ensuring they understand the potential hazards of chemicals present in their work environment.