Periodically, APEI provides an opportunity for other organizations we work with to describe their services and how it can benefit APEI’s members. This article was provided by Mitch Wallace, Acting Chief of Consultation and Training at Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH).

Alaska Occupational Safety and Health is a great resource for APEI members to take advantage of. They offer free on-site training as well as confidential facility inspections that help evaluate the hazards in your workplace. Reach out to Cole Cummins at ccummins@akpei.com if you would like help getting an AKOSH visit scheduled.

At Alaska Occupational Safety and Health, our Consultation and Training Program is dedicated to providing free and confidential services to small employers. Our on-site consultations are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. We aim to train employers and their employees to prevent, recognize, and correct unsafe working conditions and practices. By collaborating with employers, we strive to develop strong safety cultures within organizations and offer programs that recognize these achievements.

Our key partnership programs include the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) and the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). These initiatives acknowledge organizations as leaders in safety and health within their communities. Employers can request limited or full-service onsite consultation visits by submitting a consultation request form located here.

In addition to our consultation and training services, we inform employers about significant updates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is revising its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), specifically Revision 7. This revision aims to address issues from the 2012 HCS update, harmonize regulations with other U.S. agencies and international partners, and improve the standard’s overall effectiveness.

In line with Executive Order 13563 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, OSHA has reviewed and revised the HCS to enhance rule efficiency and efficacy. These updates are designed to ensure employees are well-informed about chemical hazards, thereby reducing chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.

Key changes include:

• Revised criteria for classifying certain health and physical hazards.
• Updated provisions for label updates.
• New labeling requirements for small containers.
• Technical amendments for safety data sheets (SDSs).
• Updated definitions of terms used in the standard.

These revisions will take effect on July 19, 2024.

For more information or to request our consultation services, please visit our website or contact Mitch Wallace, Acting Chief of Consultation and Training at Alaska Occupational Safety and Health at mitch.wallace@alaska.gov.