WHMIS

Understanding WHMIS: Canada’s Workplace Safety Standard

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada’s national communication system to ensure workers are informed about any hazardous materials they might have to deal with at the workplace. Being established by the federal, provincial, and territorial authorities co-operatively, WHMIS provides for an all-encompassing system for the delivery of health and safety information about hazardous products that are for use, handling, or storage in Canadian workplaces. These include information on how to appropriately label those products, the issuance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and implementation of education and training programs for workers in a manner that will promote safe work practices when handling hazardous materials.

The training is important for workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials. It allows workers to identify hazards, recognize labeling systems, and understand safe handling procedures. Proper training helps in avoiding injuries and illnesses at the work end. It gives assurance that legal requirements are fully complied with. WHMIS training encourages safe practice awareness and a safe working environment, resulting in an informed workforce to improve workplace safety and productivity.