Posted: November 16th, 2022

EU and US OS&H practices and Limitations of Harmonized OS

EU and US OS&H practices and Limitations of Harmonized OS&H
Short discussion

Discuss how safety management and human resource management can collaborate to address labor-related laws and requirements.

EU and US OS&H practices and Limitations of Harmonized OS&H
Harmonized OS&H regulations between EU and US provide effective means of classifying and communicating hazards on a global level. In 1992, in an Earth Day Summit, the United Nations and other global organizations brought up an idea of Globally Harmonized System (GHS), a standard approach to communicate hazard and enhance environmental and public health protection (Trout, 2006).
One approach that the EU and US can use in enhancing OS&H practices is to set the GHS system a reality among their member states. These practices include to ensure standardized and safety transportation, handling and disposal without affecting the environment as well as harmonized HazCom standards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2003).
The main reasons for adopting GHS system is to ensure standard hazard definition, warning, symbol labels, and MSDS definition format. To promote these practices, EU-US joint conferences are frequently held to discuss and share information. The main goal of these conferences is to share information on the existing safety and health topics of shared interest.
There are various limitations related to adopting the GHS system. First, it is not a mandatory obligation and a State can decide to only adopt part or none of it at all. Secondly, the transition period to adopt the new labeling systems may take time. Therefore, to comply with the current provisions, distributors may continue making shipments under the old systems for some period. Finally, it may require extra effort to update workplace labeling, hazard communication programs, safety data sheets as well as employee training manuals during a transition period (Silk, 2003).

References
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2003). OSHA 2003-2008 Strategic Management Plan. Department of Labor.
Silk, J. C. (2003). Development of a globally harmonized system for hazard communication. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 206(4-5), 447-452.
Trout, G. (2006). Harmonization across the globe: is it possible?. Occupational health & safety (Waco, Tex.), 75(10), 162-164.

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