Why Chemical Safety Still Tops the List — and How to Strengthen Your Program

In 2025, OSHA cited 2,546 violations under 1910.1200, keeping Hazard Communication (HazCom) near the very top of the list. Although citations dropped by 342 from last year, this standard continues to expose gaps in chemical labeling, SDS management, and employee training.

For safety leaders like Steve, purchasing agents like Alex, and plant managers like Pete, HazCom compliance is the cornerstone of chemical safety—and one of the easiest areas to overlook.

Why Hazard Communication Keeps Ranking High

1. Missing or Outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Employers must maintain an SDS for every hazardous chemical in the workplace. OSHA frequently finds:

• Outdated or incomplete SDSs

• No electronic or physical access for employees

• Failure to include secondary container labeling

2. Improper Chemical Labeling

All containers must display:

• Product identifier

• Signal word

• Hazard statements

• Precautionary statements

• Supplier identification

Secondary containers missing this information remain a major citation source.

3. Lack of a Written HazCom Program

OSHA requires a written plan describing:

• How chemical inventories are managed

• Labeling procedures

• SDS maintenance

• Employee training and information access

Many companies skip or copy generic templates without tailoring them to their operations.

4. Inadequate Employee Training

Training must occur:

• At initial assignment

• Whenever new hazards are introduced

• In a language employees understand

Training records and rosters must be retained and available for inspection.

5. Uncontrolled Chemical Inventories

Out-of-date inventories, unlabeled transfer containers, or expired products are common. OSHA considers these indicators of a weak chemical management system.

How to Stay Compliant With 1910.1200 in 2025

✔ Maintain a Current Chemical Inventory

Assign a responsible person or team to update the list regularly and remove expired materials.

✔ Ensure SDS Accessibility

Keep digital copies on a shared drive, mobile device, or kiosk—employees must have immediate access at all times.

✔ Label All Containers Properly

Use GHS-compliant labels for all primary and secondary containers.

✔ Provide Documented Employee Training

Cover labeling, pictograms, SDS reading, and hazard recognition. Document completion.

✔ Review and Update Written Program Annually

Reflect process changes, new chemicals, and training updates.

How Advanced Safety & Industrial Supply Helps

At Advanced Safety & Industrial Supply, we help companies protect employees and maintain full HazCom compliance with:

✅ Custom written Hazard Communication programs
✅ SDS organization and digital management tools
✅ GHS labeling systems and printers
✅ On-site employee HazCom training
✅ Chemical inventory audits and storage solutions
✅ Mock OSHA inspections for chemical handling areas