705 Hazard Communication Program

Retraining New Hires

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

• The employees have previously received adequate training on specific hazards, procedures, or practices from previous employers, employee unions, or other entities.
• They can demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to safely perform their new job duties.

New employees should be able to provide proof of having received specific training on the hazardous substances to which they will be exposed in their new roles. General knowledge, such as understanding OSHA Hazard Communication requirements, is typically expected to carry over from one job to another. However, it remains the employer's responsibility to ensure that new employees have received adequate training and possess the necessary knowledge and information to perform 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.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.