WHMIS

WHMIS Online Training Course

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Our award-winning WHMIS online training course meets the latest standards and regulations set out by Health Canada and CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) to provide a comprehensive learning experience for every individual involved in handling hazardous materials.

WHMIS.ca is Canada's leading provider of WHMIS training.

Course Features:

• Create an account and start training in minutes
• Printable WHMIS certificate
• Free printable resources such as a sample label, sample SDS, glossary, poster, and workplace exercise sheet
• Training content created by experienced instructional designers and industry experts
• Stop and re-start training as needed
• Mobile friendly

Course Features

This training program will provide you with the tools and instructions to tailor your own course content for your company. This course is delivered virtually using Microsoft Teams.

Upon completion of this course you will be able to implement a WHMIS program that follows the Danatec PowerPoint presentation and handbook for the following topics: 

• Laws that protect you
• Product information
• Hazards
• Safe use
• Emergency actions
• Rights and responsibilities
• Your role
• Other training required

Hosted online
private video session

What is WHMIS?

The acronym WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It was developed by the Government of Canada to set standards for communication of hazardous materials. This means everything from hazard classifications, labelling of containers, and the template for material safety data sheets (called MSDS or SDS) are all standardized across the country. WHMIS also sets a standard for worker education programs on hazardous materials.

What is the main purpose of WHMIS?

The main goal of WHMIS is to provide information to workers and employers so everyone can feel safe on the job. The standardized approach means that every employer and employee in each province and territory across Canada knows the expectations surrounding WHMIS and how to handle hazardous materials. In fact, Health Canada acts as a central partner to ensure that every province and territory is compliant.

How often do I need to take WHMIS Training?

There isn’t specific legislation on how often you have to take WHMIS training as a worker. However, one of the responsibilities of an employer is to periodically review their WHMIS education and training program.

Best practice for employers is to update their WHMIS training and education to reflect any changes in things like work conditions or hazardous materials information. In addition, refresher training is generally required:

• Periodically under the discretion of the employer to protect worker health and safety
• When workplace conditions change, or new products are introduced
• New hazard information is available
• New information about safe use, handling, storage, or disposable is available

Some areas require employers to perform an annual review of their WHMIS training and education and/or periodic testing of employee knowledge. It’s always a good idea to check with your local jurisdiction to ensure compliance.

What is WHMIS (GHS) Legislation in Ontario?

Employers and workers in Ontario are required to follow the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as WHMIS regulations.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) for Ontario is similar to federal regulations in that employers are required to provide information on hazardous products through safety data sheets (SDS), as well as ensure that hazardous products are clearly identified. Employers are also responsible for providing WHMIS training and instruction to workers.

More detail about employer duties in terms of labels and safety data sheets for hazardous products, as well as content and delivery for worker education programs are outlined in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulation (R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 860).

In Ontario, the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development is responsible for enforcing the federal and provincial WHMIS legislation.

What are Employers' Responsibilities under WHMIS?

When a hazardous material is used in the workplace, it is the employer’s responsibility to make sure that workers have the tools and information they need to stay safe while using or coming into contact with these materials.

Employer responsibilities under WHMIS from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) are to:

• Ensure workers are properly educated and trained on the potential hazards and safe use of products.
• Make sure that all hazardous products in the workplace are properly labelled according to WHMIS 2015 standards.
• Prepare product labels for the workplace as required.
• Prepare SDSs for the workplace as required. Employers might have SDSs that are written by the supplier or manufacturer of a product, but employers need to write their own if a product is produced and used onsite.
• Ensure that SDSs are up to date and available to all workers.
• Make sure that the health and safety of workers is protected by implementing appropriate control measures.

What are Employees' Responsibilities under WHMIS?

Workers are responsible for making sure that they have the tools and training that they need to be safe while handling or coming into contact with hazardous materials in the workplace. This means that workers have a responsibility under WHMIS to participate in all WHMIS education and training programs provided by their employer. In addition, employees must ensure that they protect themselves and their coworkers by identifying and controlling hazards. For instance, if an employee identifies a work task that is considered unsafe, they have the right to protect themselves and others by refusing the work.