Labeling hazardous materials correctly is critical for workplace safety and regulatory compliance—especially in industries handling building materials, chemicals, or treated products. Even small mistakes can lead to OSHA citations, shipment delays, or worse—serious safety incidents.
To help you stay compliant and avoid costly errors, here are some of the most common labeling mistakes and how to fix them.
- Using Outdated Label Formats
The Mistake: Still using pre-GHS or pre-OSHA-aligned labels that don’t meet current standards.
Why It’s a Problem: Labels that don’t include the required pictograms, signal words, or hazard statements are considered non-compliant—even if they’re technically accurate.
How to Avoid It: Regularly review your labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure they reflect the latest GHS-aligned format. Use label templates from a trusted compliance software or chemical supplier.
- Missing or Incorrect Pictograms
The Mistake: Omitting required GHS pictograms or using the wrong ones for the material’s classification.
Why It’s a Problem: Pictograms are a quick, universal way to communicate risk. The absence of a required pictogram is a direct violation of labeling standards.
How to Avoid It: Cross-check each material’s SDS with your label. Each hazard class should have a corresponding pictogram in a red diamond—do not alter or stylize these symbols.
- Incomplete Supplier Information
The Mistake: Failing to include the full name, address, and phone number of the responsible party.
Why It’s a Problem: Without full contact details, emergency responders, inspectors, or employees can’t trace the product back to its source.
How to Avoid It: Standardize this field in your labeling software or system so it’s automatically included on every hazardous material label.
- Incorrect or Missing Signal Words
The Mistake: Leaving off the required signal word—or using both “Danger” and “Warning” on the same label.
Why It’s a Problem: OSHA mandates that only one signal word be used, based on the most severe hazard.
How to Avoid It: Identify the highest severity hazard for the product and use the appropriate signal word. “Danger” is for more serious risks; “Warning” is for less severe ones.
- Illegible or Damaged Labels
The Mistake: Labels fade, tear, or become unreadable due to exposure to moisture, heat, or abrasion.
Why It’s a Problem: A label that can’t be read offers no protection and doesn’t meet compliance standards.
How to Avoid It: Use durable, chemical- and weather-resistant label stock. Routinely inspect labels and replace any that show wear or damage.
- Not Labeling Secondary Containers
The Mistake: Transferring hazardous materials into new containers without proper labeling.
Why It’s a Problem: Workers may not know what’s inside the secondary container, increasing the risk of improper handling or exposure.
How to Avoid It: Label all secondary containers immediately unless they are under the direct control of the same person using them within a single shift. Use a simplified but compliant label that includes the product name and hazard info.
- Using Abbreviations or Internal Codes
The Mistake: Using shorthand or company-specific codes on labels instead of proper chemical names.
Why It’s a Problem: Employees, inspectors, and emergency personnel may not understand internal terminology, leading to delays in response or handling.
How to Avoid It: Always use the same product identifier found on the SDS and avoid codes or abbreviations unless they’re universally understood.
- Skipping Employee Training
The Mistake: Assuming employees know how to read and interpret labels without formal training.
Why It’s a Problem: OSHA requires that workers be trained on label elements, pictograms, and safety data sheets.
How to Avoid It: Provide training during onboarding and at regular intervals. Keep documentation of all training sessions for audit purposes.
- Ignoring Label Updates After Formula Changes
The Mistake: Continuing to use old labels after a product’s composition or hazard classification has changed.
Why It’s a Problem: This leads to inaccurate hazard communication, which can increase risk and result in regulatory violations.
How to Avoid It: Update your SDS and all labels immediately after a formula change. Notify relevant teams and verify that new labels are being used consistently.
- Poor Label Placement
The Mistake: Placing labels in hard-to-see areas or covering them with tape, straps, or other packaging.
Why It’s a Problem: A label that can’t be seen isn’t effective. If it’s hidden, it might as well not be there.
How to Avoid It: Place labels in a prominent, visible location on each container. Check visibility after wrapping, strapping, or loading.
Final Thoughts
Labeling hazardous materials isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a frontline defense against accidents and confusion. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your labeling process updated and accurate, you reduce risk, streamline inspections, and maintain a safer workplace.
Start with a labeling audit today and fix any gaps before they become a problem.
