Hazard Communication in Construction — What You Must Provide

In the construction industry, workers are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals such as solvents, adhesives, paints, and dusts. Without proper communication and training, these exposures can lead to serious health consequences including chemical burns, respiratory illnesses, and long-term organ damage. To address this, OSHA established the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) under 29 CFR 1910.1200, which mandates that employers inform workers about chemical hazards in the workplace¹.

What the Standard Requires

The HCS is designed to ensure that chemical hazards are classified and that information is effectively transmitted to employees. Employers must:

• Maintain a written hazard communication program that includes a list of hazardous chemicals present in the workplace.
• Label all hazardous chemical containers with standardized information including signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
• Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous chemical, formatted in a 16-section layout to ensure consistency and clarity².
• Train employees on chemical hazards and protective measures, using language and vocabulary they understand¹.

These requirements align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, which enhances international consistency and improves worker comprehension².

Why Hazard Communication Matters

1. Prevalence of Chemical Exposure

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 there were 820 fatal occupational injuries due to exposure to harmful substances and environments across all industries³. In construction, chemical exposure incidents are particularly concerning due to the frequent use of volatile and reactive substances.

2. Training Improves Safety Outcomes

The National Safety Council reports that 62% of workers globally have never received occupational safety and health training related to the risks of their work⁴. Workers who receive recent training are significantly more likely to report hazards and take preventive action, which reduces the likelihood of injury and fosters a proactive safety culture⁴.

3. Communication Reduces Risk

Effective hazard communication has been shown to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. OSHA estimates that the revised HCS will prevent 43 fatalities and 585 injuries and illnesses annually, resulting in $250 million in productivity gains and $475 million in reduced costs for updating SDS and labels².

Training That Works

Training must be tailored to the workforce. OSHA requires that hazard communication training be provided in a language and vocabulary that workers understand. This is especially critical in construction, where language barriers are common. Visual aids, hands-on demonstrations, and multilingual materials can significantly improve comprehension and retention.

Sources

1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). 1910.1200 – Hazard Communication. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Hazard Communication – Overview. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/hazcom
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Fatal occupational injuries by event or exposure, 2023. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/fatal-occupational-injuries-by-event-drilldown.htm
4. National Safety Council. (2024). Navigating Risk: Influence of Workplace Harm, Importance of a Strong Safety Culture. https://www.nsc.org/safety-first/navigating-risk-workplace-harm-strong-safety-cultu