Employers across Kentucky recorded 274 violations of federal hazard communication standards over the past five years, highlighting ongoing workplace safety concerns tied to chemical handling and employee awareness.
Millions of workers nationwide regularly handle or work near hazardous substances such as cleaning solvents, industrial adhesives, flammable gases, and corrosive materials. Without proper labeling, training, and access to safety data sheets, employees may face serious risks, including respiratory illness, chemical burns, and fire or explosion hazards. Workplace safety experts consider hazard communication a critical safeguard because it ensures workers understand these risks.
To address these dangers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration introduced the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) in 1983. Often called the “right-to-know” rule, it requires employers to classify chemical hazards, label containers, maintain safety data sheets, and train workers. Despite being in place for decades, HazCom remains one of the most frequently cited safety standards, pointing to continued compliance gaps.
An analysis by Trace One reviewed OSHA enforcement data from 2021 to 2025 to identify trends in violations across industries and states.
Key findings nationwide
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OSHA recorded 36,984 HazCom violations from 2021–2025, equal to 5.6 violations per 100,000 workers.
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Manufacturing and construction accounted for more than half of all violations, with 10,021 and 8,678 citations respectively.
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Construction made up 42.8% of inspections, though manufacturing inspections were more likely to uncover violations.
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Violations have declined significantly over time, dropping from 37,134 in 1989 to 6,130 in 2025—an 83.5% decrease.
Where violations are most common
Violations remain concentrated in a handful of states. Maryland led the nation with 4,370 violations, followed by Tennessee and Michigan. When adjusted for workforce size, Alaska recorded the highest rate per 100,000 workers.
Kentucky-specific data
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HazCom violations per 100,000 workers: 3.3
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Total violations: 274
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Share of inspections with violations: 3.2%
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Total penalties: $395,879
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Most common violation: No written safety plan
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Most affected industry: Manufacturing
While Kentucky’s violation rate falls below the national average, regulators continue to issue citations each year, underscoring the need for consistent compliance.
Overall, although HazCom violations have declined over the decades, thousands of citations still occur annually, indicating that many employers have yet to fully meet safety requirements designed to protect workers from chemical hazards.
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