What is the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and how does it protect me against exposure to hazardous materials?
The Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) applies to all Canadian workplaces. To be compliant with WHMIS, employers are required to establish education and training programs for workers who work with hazardous materials. They must also ensure that products are labelled and that Material Safety Data Sheets are present for each product and readily available to workers. Workers also have responsibilities under WHMIS. They are required to participate in the training and education sessions and must inform their employers when labels on containers have been accidentally removed or are no longer readable. In Health Canada, WHMIS falls under the mandate of the Product Safety Programme. Please direct any inquiry regarding WHMIS to the National WHMIS Office.
