How the HazCom compliance score works
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is the agency's second-most-cited standard year after year. On a construction site the same rule applies verbatim — 29 CFR 1926.59 (adopts 29 CFR 1910.1200) — so the six pillars below govern general-industry and construction employers alike. This scorer turns that standard into 20 yes/no checks, each weighted 4–7 points by how often and how severely OSHA cites it. The weights total exactly 100 points, so your raw score reads directly as a percentage and an A–F grade.
- A (90–100%) — audit-ready; close the few remaining gaps.
- B (75–89%) — good foundation with addressable gaps.
- C (60–74%) — at moderate citation risk; prioritize high-weight items.
- D (40–59%) — major gaps likely to draw citations.
- F (under 40%) — critical deficiencies; begin remediation now.
The six pillars and how they're weighted
Each pillar maps to a paragraph group of 29 CFR 1910.1200. The two heaviest single checks — a missing written program and inaccessible SDS — carry 7 points each because they are the most commonly cited HazCom failures.
| Pillar | Questions | Weight | Lead citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Program | 3 | 15 pts | 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) |
| SDS Management | 4 | 20 pts | 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8) |
| Container Labeling | 3 | 15 pts | 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6) |
| Employee Training | 4 | 20 pts | 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1) |
| Chemical Inventory | 3 | 15 pts | 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) |
| Contractor Communication | 3 | 15 pts | 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(2) |
| Total | 20 | 100 pts | — |
Worked examples
A 30-person drywall sub with a written program but weak SDS access. Say the crew has a written program (7) and labels in place, trains new hires, and keeps an inventory — but the SDS binder is locked in the trailer office (fails the 7-pt 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8) access check and the 4-pt backup-access check) and the program was never updated for HCS 2024. Missing 7 + 4 + 4 = 15 points yields 85% — a Grade B, with "readily accessible SDS" flagged as the top priority because it is the heaviest failed item.
A new 8-person painting contractor starting from scratch. No written program (−7), no formal SDS system (−7 access, −5 completeness, −4 format, −4 backup), unlabeled secondary containers (−6), and no documented training. A typical first run lands near 30–40% — a Grade F. The priority list orders the two 7-point items first; building the written program and an accessible SDS library alone moves the score above 60% (Grade C) before the next inspection.
What to do next
- Fix the heaviest gaps first. The result orders failed items by citation weight and links each to a free generator — start with any 7- or 6-point item.
- Write the program if you don't have one. A documented HazCom program (29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)) is the single highest-weight requirement and the first thing an inspector asks to see. Our HazCom Program Generator builds one in minutes.
- Close SDS and label gaps. Use the SDS Gap Analyzer and GHS Label Generator to make sheets accessible and secondary containers compliant.
- Beat the HCS 2024 deadline. As necessary, update alternative workplace labeling, the program, and training for newly identified GHS Rev 7 hazards before the November 20, 2026 employer-substances date.
- Document your baseline. Download the PDF report (with the priority list and CFR cites) and re-run the scorer quarterly to show measurable improvement.
Frequently asked questions
What does this compliance score measure?
The score evaluates 20 critical elements across the 6 pillars of OSHA HazCom compliance: Written Program, SDS Management, Container Labeling, Employee Training, Chemical Inventory, and Contractor Communication. Each question is weighted by OSHA citation severity, and the 20 weights sum to 100 so your score reads directly as a percentage.
Is this score legally binding?
No. This is a self-assessment tool for internal use. It does not constitute legal advice or an official OSHA evaluation. Use it to identify gaps and prioritize corrective actions before an actual inspection.
How are the questions weighted?
Questions are weighted 4–7 points based on OSHA citation frequency and severity. Missing a written HazCom program or inaccessible SDS carries the highest weight (7 points each) because these are the most commonly cited HazCom violations. The 20 weights total 100 points.
Does this apply to construction (1926) too?
Yes. 29 CFR 1926.59 adopts 1910.1200 in full for construction, so the same six pillars and the same paragraph requirements apply on a jobsite. The scorer is written to be construction-correct.
What should I do with a low score?
Focus on the highest-weighted failed items first. Use the linked tools (Program Generator, SDS Gap Analyzer, Training Record) to address each gap. Re-assess quarterly to track improvement, and download the PDF report to document your baseline.
How often should I run this assessment?
At minimum quarterly, and always before an anticipated OSHA inspection. Also re-assess whenever you introduce new chemicals, change subcontractors, or modify work processes — and before the November 20, 2026 HCS 2024 employer deadline.
Sources & verification
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/section-1910.1200
- https://www.osha.gov/hazcom
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/section-1910.1200
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/15/2026-00653/hazard-communication-standard
- https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/rulemaking/extension
HazCom requirements verified 2026-10-05 against the eCFR text of 29 CFR 1910.1200 and OSHA.gov. 1926.59 makes construction HazCom identical to 1910.1200. This scorer is a self-assessment estimate for planning only — it is not legal advice and not an official OSHA evaluation. State-Plan states may have additional requirements.
HazCom Audit Checklist →HazCom Program Generator →OSHA Fine Calculator →29 CFR 1910.1200 explained →