Union Approach to Health and Safety: - United Steelworkers

• The names of chemical hazards in the work area,
• Where hazardous chemicals are located,
• Methods that may be used to detect the presence or release of a
hazardous chemical in the work area,
• Safety and health hazards of the chemicals,
• Specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect
employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals (such as
appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal
protective equipment),
• Material safety data sheets and where they are available in the
work areas,
• The labeling system, and
• The OSHA standard and the employer’s written “hazard
communication program”.
Written Hazard Communication Program: Employers must develop a written
hazard communication program and make it available to employees and their union
representatives (and other representatives such as doctors and lawyers) within fifteen
working days from the date of a request. This plan must explain how the employer
will meet each of the requirements of the standard, including warning labels,
employee training, and collection and distribution of MSDSs. A list of all hazardous
materials on site or in the work area is also a required part of the written plan.
Date
Sample Request Letter to Employer Requesting Hazard Communication Program
Dear (employer representative),
This letter is to request a copy of your written hazard communication program. OSHA Standard 1910.1200
requires that you provide us with this information.
We expect to receive this within fifteen working days as required by the OSHA Standard.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
(Your name and title)