According to the hazard communication standard, what must employers provide?

Employers are required under the Hazard Communication Standard to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), for hazardous materials. These documents are vital as they contain detailed information about the properties of each chemical, their hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency measures in case of an accident. The intention behind this requirement is to ensure that employees are informed about the chemicals they may encounter in the workplace, enabling them to work safely and take necessary precautions to protect their health.

Providing SDSs helps create a safer work environment by ensuring that workers understand the risks associated with hazardous materials and are equipped with the knowledge they need to respond appropriately to potential hazards. These sheets serve as an essential tool for communication between chemical manufacturers or distributors and employers, thereby enhancing safety and compliance in handling hazardous substances.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically pertain to the obligations set forth by the Hazard Communication Standard. For example, health insurance plans and access to legal advisors are generally outside the scope of hazardous material communication responsibilities, and while training videos about workplace safety can be beneficial, they are not the specific requirement mandated by this standard.