705 Hazard Communication Program

Retraining New Hires

It is not necessary for employers to retrain new employees if:

• they have received adequate prior training by previous employers, employee unions, or other entities on specific hazards, procedures, or practices; and
• they can demonstrate adequate knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to safely perform the new job.

New employees should be able show proof they received specific training on the hazardous substances to which they would be exposed in their new jobs. General information, such as OSHA Hazard Communication requirements, could be expected to remain with employees from one position to another. However, the employer is responsible for ensuring that new employees are adequately trained and are equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to conduct their jobs safely.

Remember, it is likely that additional training will be required since employees must prove they know the specifics of their new employer's programs such as the location of SDSs, details of the in-plant container labeling system, and the hazards of new chemicals to which they will be exposed. New employees must demonstrate (show and tell) adequate KSAs to their supervisors before being assigned to their new jobs.

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