What is GHS? GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This is a United Nations document that standardizes the language and signage for chemicals, internationally. Now that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has adopted these practices, we need to make sure that we are all aware of what the changes are that are coming in the near future.

Why is this happening? One reason is that the U.S. is a participating country in the U.N. and so we must be in compliance. However, the new practices will help save costs by reducing the international trade barriers and, more importantly, streamline standardization of wording and labeling to increase understanding, which will then decrease injuries and illnesses.