The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada’s national system for sharing information about hazardous products used at work. It’s designed to help employers and workers understand how to use, handle, and store these products safely. WHMIS follows the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which is used around the world to keep hazard communication consistent. This alignment helps improve how hazards are classified, introduces new types of hazards, and standardizes how safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels are formatted.
WHMIS is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. Health Canada oversees the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations, which set the rules for suppliers when it comes to labelling and SDSs. Meanwhile, each province, territory, and the federal government enforce WHMIS requirements in workplaces through their own health and safety laws. For federally regulated workplaces, WHMIS is overseen by the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada.
Role Definitions
Under WHMIS, roles are clearly defined:
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A supplier sells or imports a hazardous product in the course of business.
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A manufacturer produces, packages, or labels hazardous products in Canada for sale.
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An importer brings a hazardous product into Canada but does not sell it.
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A distributor purchases a hazardous product and resells it unchanged; if the product is modified in any way before resale, the distributor is considered a manufacturer.
Employers who import hazardous products solely for their own use are also considered importers under WHMIS and are subject to all relevant supplier obligations.
WHMIS Roles and Responsibilities
Suppliers must:
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Classify hazardous products according to the criteria in the HPR.
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Prepare and provide labels and SDSs to purchasers.
Employers must:
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Educate and train workers on the safe use of hazardous products.
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Ensure hazardous products in the workplace are properly labelled.
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Develop and maintain SDSs and workplace labels as required.
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Make SDSs readily accessible to workers.
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Implement control measures to reduce worker exposure to hazardous products.
Workers must:
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Participate in training and education.
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Use provided information to protect themselves and others.
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Identify and report hazards.
The most recent significant update came into effect on December 15, 2022, when amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations were finalized to maintain alignment with the GHS. Suppliers are currently in a three-year transition period, ending on December 15, 2025, to bring their product classifications, SDSs, and labels into compliance with these changes.
Key Changes Resulting from the Amendments
The 2022 amendments introduced several important updates, including:
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Improved clarity and precision in regulatory provisions.
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Additional required information elements on safety data sheets.
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Adoption of a new physical hazard class: Chemicals Under Pressure.
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Introduction of a new hazard category for non-flammable aerosols.
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New subcategories within the flammable gases hazard class.
These changes aim to enhance worker protection by improving hazard communication and by expanding the scope of regulated hazards. For most workplaces, the most noticeable effects will be related to changes in the flammable gases category and the addition of the Chemicals Under Pressure class.
We Can Help!
Navigating WHMIS requirements, especially in light of the regulatory changes, can be complex and time-consuming. We offer professionally developed WHMIS training and compliant workplace policies designed to meet federal and provincial standards. Whether you’re updating existing materials or building your program from the ground up, our team can help you deliver accurate, up-to-date information to employees while reducing internal administrative burden.
Contact us to learn more about our WHMIS training programs, policy development services, and support with hazard communication compliance.
