ARKANSAS a OKLAHOMA

A NgW federal rulecalled the Fsingle most significant and far reaching standard ever writtenhas gone into effect requiring all Arkansas and Oklahoma employers to inform workers of the potential dangers of any hazardous materials used in the workplace.

This OSHA rule, previously applicable only to manufacturing firms, expanded hazardous communications standards to 32 million workers in 3.5 million workplaces as of May 20.

Oklahoma and Arkansas employers whose workers are exposed to hazardous substances will be required to set up a hazardous communication program.

In anticipation of the expansion of the "Right-to-Know" laws, MLA consulted with the professional firm of Webb & Shirley in Tulsa, Ok., and a committee of lumber dealer members to develop a top quality dealer manual and guide that will assist you in complying with the regulations. Written in easy-to- read language, the manual clearly presents the material for the specific needs of a lumber dealer in any state.

We know you already have plenty to worry about just selling building materials, but these regulations can be "hazardous" to your business if you don't do anything. The time to deal with these issues is now, not five months from now when an OSHA warning is flung on top of your desk. The real threat is not an OSHA citation, but an employee suit seeking thousands of dollars because perhaps you did nothing to inform them about the handling of hazardous materials.

Where do you begin? You can begin with a "good faith" effort to comply. Compliance with the HCS can be a simple task if you use the association's compliance manual. For additional information or to order your copy call MLA.

Oklahoma dealers also are required to comply with additional Oklahoma state regulations. Instructions on how to comply with these regulations are included in the manuals sent to Oklahoma dealers.