OSHA Extends Compliance Deadlines for HazCom Standard

OSHA is extending by four months several compliance deadlines for its hazard communication standard, which was last updated in 2024. One deadline was imminent: chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors initially had until Jan. 19, 2026, to evaluate certain substances. That deadline is now May 19, 2026. 

Three subsequent compliance deadlines have also been extended to allow OSHA to “maintain the tiered approach to compliance adopted in the final rule,” a Federal Register notice explains. Employers now have until Nov. 20, 2026, to update any alternative workplace labeling for substances, make updates to their hazard communication programs, and provide additional training to workers for newly identified hazards. The new deadline for manufacturers, importers, and distributors to comply with modified provisions related to evaluating mixtures is Nov. 19, 2027. And employers now have until May 19, 2028, to provide employee training regarding mixtures and to update relevant labeling and hazard communication programs.

These delays are intended to allow OSHA more time to publish guidance about the updated hazard communication standard for the regulated community and agency staff. According to OSHA, the extended compliance deadlines will also help ensure that those affected by the updated provisions have time to review the new materials before the effective dates.

Details about these extensions are available in the Federal Register. More information about OSHA’s hazard communication standard is available from the agency’s website.