OSHA Enforcement Is Increasing: Is Your Hazard Communication Program Ready?

Worker safety remains at the heart of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) mission. According to OSHA, an average of 15 workers lose their lives each day due to work-related incidents (as of 2023). While workplace injury and fatality rates have improved significantly over the past several decades, OSHA continues to actively enforce safety regulations and increase its focus on high-risk industries and hazard communication compliance. For employers, this means compliance isn't simply about avoiding penalties; it's about protecting employees, minimizing business risk, and maintaining operational excellence.

Hazard Communication Remains a Top OSHA Focus

Every year, OSHA publishes its most frequently cited standards. In Fiscal Year 2025, Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) was the number one most cited standard within General Industry.

This ranking highlights a challenge many organizations face: maintaining accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), proper labeling, and keeping employees informed about chemical hazards.

Common hazard communication deficiencies include:

• Missing or outdated SDSs
• Incomplete chemical inventories
• Inaccurate workplace labels
• Lack of employee training
• Failure to update hazard communication programs as regulations evolve

Understanding OSHA's Inspection Priorities

OSHA inspections may occur for several reasons, including:

• Employee complaints
• Severe injuries or illnesses
• Referrals from other agencies
• Imminent danger situations
• Targeted enforcement initiatives
• Follow-up inspections after previous citations

For companies managing hazardous chemicals, these numbers reinforce the importance of maintaining robust compliance systems before an inspection occurs.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

OSHA penalties continue to be substantial. As of 2025:

Beyond regulatory penalties, workplace incidents carry significant financial consequences. OSHA highlighted that workplace injuries and fatalities cost the U.S. economy approximately $176.5 billion in 2023.

The reality is simple: investing in compliance and prevention is often far less costly than responding to violations, injuries, or litigation.

Preparing for Increased Regulatory Scrutiny

OSHA's mission extends beyond enforcement. The agency emphasizes employer responsibility to:

• Comply with applicable OSHA standards
• Deliver employee training that workers can understand
• Maintain required recordkeeping and reporting programs

Meeting these obligations can become increasingly complex for organizations handling large chemical inventories, multiple facilities, or global supply chains.

This is where a proactive SDS and chemical management strategy becomes critical.

Don't Wait for an OSHA Inspection to Expose Compliance Gaps

Questions every chemical workplace should consider:

• Are all of your SDSs current and compliant with the latest regulations?
• Can employees access critical chemical safety information in seconds?
• Are you prepared for an OSHA inspection tomorrow?
• Do you have a plan to address HazCom 2024 requirements before compliance deadlines arrive?

If you're answer is "no" to any of these answers, now is the time to act.

Don't just react to regulatory changes. Stay ahead of them with CHEMTREC as your trusted compliance partner.

CHEMTREC’s Compliance Solutions:

Whether you are preparing for HazCom 2024 requirements, improving SDS accessibility, or looking to strengthen your overall chemical compliance program, CHEMTREC can help simplify the process.

SDS Authoring

Maintaining accurate and compliant SDSs is one of the most important aspects of hazard communication. CHEMTREC's SDS Authoring services help organizations develop and update SDSs that align with current regulatory requirements including OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard 2024.

SDS Management

Many compliance gaps begin with poor document control. CHEMTREC's SDS Management solution helps organize, maintain, and distribute SDSs across the supply chain.

Benefits include:

• Centralized SDS access
• Version control and document management
• Employee access to current SDSs
• Audit and inspection preparedness

Training

With the final rule in effect, compliance with OSHA HazCom training requirements is not only a legal obligation but a critical step in safeguarding your workforce. Our updated training equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of chemical hazards, ultimately creating a culture of safety and responsibility.

Consulting Solutions

Have confidence in your Company’s response to always be OSHA inspection ready with our Consulting Solutions. Our consulting specialist team helps customers understand regulatory expectations and implement practical compliance solutions that support worker safety and business continuity.

Fifteen worker fatalities per day is still fifteen too many

Every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.

By investing in strong hazard communication programs, maintaining accurate chemical safety information, and providing employees with the resources they need to work safely, organizations can help prevent incidents before they occur.

CHEMTREC is committed to helping organizations strengthen compliance, improve chemical safety, and move closer to a future where the average number of workplace fatalities is not fifteen per day, but zero.

Ready to evaluate your hazard communication program? Contact CHEMTREC to learn how our compliance solutions can help your organization stay compliant, inspection-ready, and focused on protecting workers.