The right to know and the duty to disclose hazard information.

Abstract

In late 1983, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\n(OSHA) promulgated its final rule on "hazard communication," establishing the\nright of workers in manufacturing industries to information about chemical\nhazards, and the duty of importers and manufacturers to disclose such\ninformation. Baram reviews areas where the new, limited OSHA regulation\nconflicts with existing local, state, and federal laws, many of which are more\nstringent and more protective of worker and community health. He suggests\nsteps that could be taken to avoid the extensive litigation that might result\nfrom the potential preemptive effect of the new OSHA rule. (KIE abstract)