OSHA and Health Canada have updated the joint 2016–2017 Workplace Chemicals Work Plan, which was established to help ensure that current and future requirements for hazard classification and communication in the U.S. and Canada are acceptable in both countries without reducing the level of safety or protection for workers. One objective of the work plan is to ensure that one label and safety data sheet (SDS) will be acceptable in both countries. The updated plan includes activities that support the development of materials to help stakeholders implement the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) and understand the interpretation of technical issues and requirements in Canada and the U.S. The plan also seeks to support alignment between U.S. and Canadian requirements for implementing the GHS when revisions are made.

The work plan was developed through the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC), the OSHA-Health Canada partnership established to align U.S. and Canadian regulatory approaches regarding labelling and classification requirements for hazardous workplace chemicals. In 2013, OSHA and Canada’s Department of Health signed a memorandum of understanding, which allows the two agencies to collaborate on the implementation of GHS in their respective jurisdictions.

"This plan is part of ongoing efforts between OSHA and Health Canada to reduce regulatory barriers between U.S. and Canadian systems responsible for chemical safety and provide concise information to protect workers exposed to hazardous chemicals," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels, PhD, MPH.

For more information, see OSHA’s .