Introduction 

In 2025, U.S. businesses handling chemicals will face increasing pressure to comply with updated hazard communication standards. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) both addresses how chemical hazards are labeled and communicated in the workplace. While they both use pictograms and have standardized label elements, they differ in the meanings of the symbols, the scope of applicability, and the regulations that apply to each system. These differences are essential for every safety manager to understand to remain compliant. Given that many organizations manufacture and ship chemicals worldwide, SDS management software helps organize Safety Data Sheets in a single location, easily generate labels, and keep your documents audit-ready. Digitizing this process not only improves your compliance with regulations and minimizes risk but also enhances your workplace safety culture. That’s why it’s essential for every employer doing business in the U.S. to understand the differences between the two systems. 

What is GHS and How Are Its Hazard Symbols Applied?  

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is the UN’s harmonized system for classifying and labeling chemicals and their hazards worldwide. GHS pictograms are intended to be standardized in their meaning and comprehension across borders and languages, allowing multinational companies and their supply chains to recognize and comply with the hazards and pertinent safety standards. 

GHS uses nine pictograms, with each pictogram represented, surrounded by a red diamond border identifying a specific hazard (hazards in general), physical hazards (i.e. explosive, flammable, oxidizing hazards), health hazards (i.e. acute toxicity, respiratory, carcinogenicity), and environmental hazards, with the ecological hazard being represented by a pictogram (a dead tree and fish), which identifies aquatic toxicity, and is not universally required for workplace labels. GHS symbols are used on shipping packages, workplace containers, and consumer products worldwide. 

How OSHA Adapts GHS for the United States? 

In 2012, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was modified to incorporate GHS, a move that significantly enhanced workplace safety. This modification aimed to provide US companies with a familiar relationship to chemical labels and hazard communication.  

The US-specific differences in GHS implementation, such as  

• OSHA’s requirement of only 8 of the 9 GHS pictograms, were introduced to ensure effective workplace compliance.  

• The environmental pictogram, considered an additional requirement, does not need to be implemented for workplace compliance.  

• OSHA’s label requirements go beyond pictograms; they also include signal words (“Danger” or “Warning”), hazard statements, and precautionary statements. Moreover, OSHA mandates that labels be in English, with additional languages possibly allowed, but they must also be in English.  

• DOT pictograms are a must on the shipping label for transportation, and there are specific rules about DOT symbols that can or cannot appear together on a shipping label. 

What Information Is Needed on OSHA-Compliant Labels? 

OSHA’s label requirements fundamentally revolve around identifying hazards and providing prompt use of information:  

• the Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer or supplier.  

• Chemicals identifier (chemical name or code).  

• Signal word for the seriousness of the hazard.  Hazard statements for the nature of the danger and the degree of hazard. 

•  Precautionary statements for safe handling, storage, disposal, emergency procedures, and first aid.  

• Pictograms for the hazards, using red diamond shapes, are legible in size.   

Some additional information, such as PPE pictograms or instructions for a specific workplace procedure, may be included as optional information, while employers may include more details on the same. If a new chemical hazard is identified, it must be updated within six months. 

Comparing GHS and OSHA Hazard Symbols 

Consequences of These Differences for US B2B Companies  

Confusion about labeling and safety programs for employees versus customers will likely occur even at companies with suppliers or customers in other countries. Depending on the location of the US based warehouse, a global label may display the complete set of GHS pictograms where the US workplace label would display a single diamond pictogram unless requested. Furthermore, OSHA mandates that each chemical’s full hazard and precautionary statements are required for each chemical regardless of the manufacturer, which also assists consistency for the worker consumer.  

The DOT standard compounds the complexity slightly to labeling containers for transport, including more diamond-shaped pictograms, and possibly both OSHA labeled containers and DOT specific pictograms or labeled containers depending on mode of private or agency provided transport and external labeling requirements. 

The Role and Benefits of SDS Management Software 

SDS management software is designed specifically to manage the complexities surrounding regulatory issues and provide compliance support. Important features include:  

Real-time hazard classification updates for every chemical on-site, ensuring GHS alignment, OSHA, and company compliance. Automated compliance alerts to keep EHS managers informed of all regulatory changes or required action items. Secure, centralized cloud libraries for SDSs that are accessible by departments and locations. Workflow and version control documentation record with audit trails to limit errors and oversight. 

The software is designed so that the integration with labeling systems ensures every hazard symbol and statement meets US and international safety standards. Role-based permissions for multi-language options help fill gaps in the culture of the workplace. When SDS management software is incorporated into an organization, time is saved, risk is mitigated, fines are avoided, and the workforce is generally more prepared. AI-driven systems and automation improve search and access, keeping compliance information at their fingertips. 

Best Practices for U.S. Companies 

In order to maximize benefits and remain in compliance- 

• Educate personnel on the fine distinctions of GHS and OSHA symbols—when, and why, pictograms may or may not appear. 

• Utilize SDS management software to automate the update process, monitor compliance, and disseminate shared hazard labels throughout the organization. 

•  Confirm that all workplace and shipping labels accurately convey pictograms, statements, and supplementary instructions, pursuant to OSHA standards. 

• Centralize documentation for SDSs, initiate collaboration among compliance, EHS, procurement and operations managers, and methodically conduct an inventory of your products to determine regulatory compliance gaps. 

•  Periodically review your labels, SDSs and employee knowledge to assure adherence to both U.S. and international rules.  

The Future of Hazard Communication and SDS Management 

As regulatory guidance changes and trade continue to expand, there will be an increasing need for consistent labelling and rapid compliance systems. The ideal answer for U.S. B2B managers is an SDS management software suite that includes safety, AI-based hazard tracking, compliance workflow, and live changes to labelling systems within the organization. This software is quickly becoming the standard for companies that want to take the lead in a safety culture and be best-in-class for operations and compliance. 

Conclusion 

It is important to understand the differences between GHS and OSHA hazard symbols so that compliance can be fulfilled, and safety can be ensured. The GHS provides a global method of chemical classification and labeling. While OSHA modifies it to address U.S. regulatory requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Companies operating in the U.S. should ensure that their SDS forms and labels include GHS pictograms and other parts specific to OSHA. By facilitating compliance and training employees on the differences, organizations will reduce workplace incidents, meet inspection needs, and foster a stronger culture of chemical safety and awareness. This understanding connects us to a larger safety community, ensuring a safer workplace for all.