According to OSHA regulations, what must employers provide to their employees regarding hazardous materials?

Employers are required under OSHA regulations to ensure that their employees have access to information about hazardous substances they may encounter in the workplace. This is achieved through a comprehensive communication program, which includes safety data sheets (SDS), labeling of hazardous materials, and employee training on recognizing and handling these substances safely. The purpose of this requirement is to inform employees about the potential risks associated with the materials they work with, enabling them to take appropriate precautions to protect their health and safety.

While providing training on personal safety equipment and coverage for health-related illnesses are important aspects of workplace safety, they do not encapsulate the fundamental requirement for an information communication program focused on hazardous materials. Annual financial bonuses for safe practices are not mandated by OSHA and do not address the foundational goal of education and transparency regarding hazardous materials. Therefore, the requirement for a communication program stands as the correct and central obligation of employers regarding hazardous substances in the workplace.