United States · Amendment · HAMDT

HAMDT 435 (100th)

An amendment in the nature of a substitute providing for more stringent enforcement of the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard, and requiring a two-year study of whether a risk notification program should be established. In more detail, the Jeffords substitute requires employers to notify employees who are or have been exposed to levels or concentrations of toxic materials which exceed OSHA standards. Within one year, OSHA would be instructed to update existing permissible exposure limits, increase penalties for willful violations of current law, and to direct agencies other than OSHA, which have jurisdiction over worker safety and health, to promulgate a health hazard notification standard. Further, the substitute directs GAO to evaluate the effectiveness of expanded Hazard Communication standards, and to provide for creation of a commission to study and report to Congress within two years on issues related to possible creation of a risk notification program. The substitue authorizes $20 million in FY 1988 and "such sums as may be necessary" thereafter for creation of an Office of Hazard Communications to review material safety data sheet information and to assist with employer compliance. It also authorizes $5 million in FY 1988 and "such sums" thereafter for an interim NIOSH program to provide risk information to workers who have participated in federal workplace health studies and to establish a hotline for notified workers. Finally, the substitute prohibits the introduction of information provided under the Hazard Communication.