Final Regulatory Impact and Regulatory Flexibility Analyses of the Hazard Communication Standard

摘要

This regulatory impact analysis evaluates the cost-effectiveness of OSHA's November 1983 standard on hazard communication. The current standard is largely performance-oriented and focuses on communicating information on chemical hazards in the workplace. The standard results in initial compliance costs of approximately $604 million or $43 per employee. The annual cost is $159 million or only $11 per employee. The costs of the standard are also compared to the expected costs of state and local regulations and other considered federal regulatory actions. The benefits of the proposed standard are measured as the discounted present value of (1) reductions in lost earnings and medical expenses for various categories of chemical source illnesses and injuries, (2) lowered turnover costs, and (3) property losses from chemical fires.