1910.1200(e): Written hazard communication (HazCom) program
Every workplace with hazardous chemicals needs a written hazard communication program that explains how the employer handles labels, safety data sheets (SDS) and employee training. It must include a list of the hazardous chemicals on site and explain how workers are told about the hazards of non-routine tasks and of chemicals in unlabeled pipes. On sites with more than one employer, it must also explain how other contractors get access to SDSs, learn about precautions and understand the labeling system. The written program must be available on request to employees, their representatives and OSHA.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(e) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 8,924 times in the last 3 years, in 7,752 inspections, with $10,381,807 in current penalties.
- 64 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (1,240), MI (762), TN (487).
- Related part: 1910.1200(e)(1) (8,801 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(e) ("Written hazard communication program") is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 10 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(e) Written hazard communication program. 8,924 citations
(1) Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met, and which also includes the following: Open (e)(1) 8,801 citations
(i) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that is referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas); and, Open (e)(1)(i) 1,658 citations
(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels), and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas. Open (e)(1)(ii) 42 citations
(2) Multi-employer workplaces. Employers who produce, use, or store hazardous chemicals at a workplace in such a way that the employees of other employer(s) may be exposed (for example, employees of a construction contractor working on-site) shall additionally ensure that the hazard communication programs developed and implemented under this paragraph (e) include the following: Open (e)(2) 79 citations
(i) The methods the employer will use to provide the other employer(s) on-site access to safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical the other employer(s)' employees may be exposed to while working; Open (e)(2)(i) 13 citations
(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect employees during the workplace's normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies; and, Open (e)(2)(ii) 16 citations
(iii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of the labeling system used in the workplace. 2 citations
(3) The employer may rely on an existing hazard communication program to comply with these requirements, provided that it meets the criteria established in this paragraph (e). 6 citations
(4) The employer shall make the written hazard communication program available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of § 1910.1020(e). Open (e)(4) 37 citations
(5) Where employees must travel between workplaces during a workshift, i.e., their work is carried out at more than one geographical location, the written hazard communication program may be kept at the primary workplace facility.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Injuries linked to this rule
64 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1200(e).
An employee was fabricating a part for an agricultural wagon using a drill presswhen it fell onto his head, causing multiple fatal injuries to the employee.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 552 |
| 2024 | 3,238 |
| 2025 | 3,011 |
| 2026 | 2,123 |
Top states: MD (1,240), MI (762), TN (487), IL (472), CT (457)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SHREEM TULSA OPS, LLC. | TULSA, OK | $82,750 |
| CPX2023XT3633X0060 - ANTECH CORPORATION | TUCSON, AZ | $55,944 |
| FLORIM USA, INC. | CLARKSVILLE, TN | $50,000 |
| GHM GIRI HOTEL MANAGEMENT | FREEPORT, ME | $33,480 |
| PROSPECT RANCH LLC | KEENESBURG, CO | $33,100 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of OSHA PEL for nitric oxide as 8-hr TWA to pregnant employees. (2009-05-19)
- Whether written programs may be kept solely in an electronic format. (2008-09-16)
- MSDS's must be provided to employees who package/process drugs for distribution into final form if they contain hazardous chemicals (2005-02-08)
- Requirements of hazard communication standard for listing chemicals. (1992-12-22)
- HCP requirements for employers at multi-employer worksites (1991-01-30)
- Hazard communication program on site and standard covering electrical installation, maintenance or repair. (1990-10-18)
- Criteria to evaluate employee exposure in order to trigger the training requirements of 1910.120(e) (1990-10-03)
- Availability of MSDSs on Construction Sites (1990-05-16)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(e)(1) 8,801 citations
- 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) 1,658 citations
- 1910.1200(e)(2) Multi-employer workplaces 79 citations
- 1910.1200(e)(1)(ii) 42 citations
- 1910.1200(e)(4) 37 citations
- 1910.1200(e)(2)(ii) 16 citations
- 1910.1200(e)(2)(i) 13 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What has to be in a written HazCom program?
How labels, safety data sheets and training will be handled, a list of the hazardous chemicals present (using the product identifier on the SDS), and how employees will be informed of the hazards of non-routine tasks and chemicals in unlabeled pipes.
Do other contractors on my site need access to my safety data sheets?
Yes. On multi-employer workplaces, your program must describe how other employers get on-site access to the SDS for each hazardous chemical their employees may be exposed to.
Can we use an existing program?
Yes, as long as it meets all the criteria in paragraph (e).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.