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Return to NewsEHS PROFESSIONALS VOTE ON GHS TRANSITION CHALLENGES
Nashville, TN (August 13, 2007) – SiteHawk (the leader in web-based MSDS and chemical information management) conducted a survey at two recent national health and safety trade shows, the AIHce and the ASSE, to ascertain how the industry views the transition challenges associated with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The tabulated results show how soon EH&S professionals are planning to move forward with their transition plans as well as what areas are seen as posing the greatest challenges.
Nearly 20% of those surveyed were already in the process of finding software vendors who, like SiteHawk, can assist with this GHS transition process; while 24% are planning to evaluate software soon for a projected implementation in 2008. "To effectively manage the challenges that such a transition will present, EH&S teams must find software vendors who can provide assistance." Kim Stier, SiteHawk co- founder and President said. "SiteHawk is happy to respond to this need for transition assistance through our global assessment tools and services, which include help with re-authoring MSDSs according to GHS classifications and presenting consistent messaging to employees through GHS compliant labels and material summaries."
One of the key questions of the survey was related to the perceived hurdles associated with such a major regulatory change as will result from the adoption of the GHS. Respondents selected the topics that they believed would pose the greatest transition challenge. The tabulated responses below are based on frequency of selection.
- Labeling – 39%
- MSDS Classification and re-authoring – 37%
- Training – 34%
- Transition cost – 29%
- Time allowed for full implementation – 27%
- MSDS distribution – 22%
While industry recognizes the need and the inevitability of this change, it is clear there will be resource hurdles to overcome.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kim Stier, please contact Sandi Pecora at 615/459.0064x22 or email: specora@sitehawk.com. Additional information related to SiteHawk leadership can be found at www.sitehawk.com/about.
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