HazCom 2024 Update: The New Compliance Dates Employers Need to Know
OSHA updated its Hazard Communication Standard in 2024. Then, on January 15, 2026, OSHA pushed every compliance date back by four months. The next date for employers is November 20, 2026.
Here is what changed and what to do. If your workers need the basics first, our Hazard Communication Basics course covers labels, pictograms and safety data sheets.
The new dates
| Who | What | Old date | New date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makers, importers, distributors | Substances (single chemicals) | Jan. 19, 2026 | May 19, 2026 |
| Employers | Update workplace labels, written program and training for substances | July 20, 2026 | Nov. 20, 2026 |
| Makers, importers, distributors | Mixtures | July 19, 2027 | Nov. 19, 2027 |
| Employers | Update workplace labels, written program and training for mixtures | Jan. 19, 2028 | May 19, 2028 |
OSHA says that until these dates, companies may follow the 2012 rule, the 2024 rule, or both.
What employers should do now
- Watch for new SDS and labels. Your suppliers had until May 19, 2026 to update substances. Swap in the new sheets as they arrive.
- Update your written program. Make sure it matches the new sheets and labels.
- Update workplace labels. Labels on containers you fill in-house should match the new hazard information.
- Retrain where hazards changed. Workers must be trained whenever a new chemical hazard is brought into their work area.
Updating your training? Our Hazard Communication Basics course covers the label parts (product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms and precautionary statements) and how to read an SDS. It is part of The Dojo, our full course library.
Why HazCom matters for citations
Hazard Communication is number 2 on OSHA’s preliminary Top 10 list for fiscal year 2026. See our post on the common HazCom gaps and fixes.
Get ready before November 20
Start the Hazard Communication Basics course, read our free HazCom guide, or train your whole team.
About this post
This post is a plain-language aid, not legal advice. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA. The regulation text and OSHA notices are what count.
Sources
- Hazard Communication Standard, compliance date extension (91 FR 1695) – Federal Register, published 2026-01-15, checked 2026-10-18
- HCS 2024 compliance date extension notice – Occupational Safety and Health Administration, checked 2026-10-18
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard communication – eCFR, National Archives, checked 2026-10-18
- Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards – Occupational Safety and Health Administration, checked 2026-10-18
Frequently asked questions
When is the HazCom 2024 deadline for employers?
November 20, 2026 for substances and May 19, 2028 for mixtures.
Did OSHA extend the HazCom compliance dates?
Yes. A January 15, 2026 rule pushed every date back four months.
What must employers update?
Workplace labels, the written hazard communication program and training.
Can we still follow the 2012 HazCom rule?
Until the compliance dates, OSHA allows the 2012 rule, the 2024 rule, or both.