Training workers about hazardous exposures on the job is legally mandated but it’s also a tool to help identify and prevent exposures that can lead to disease.
Ontarians spend on average one-third of their waking time at work. Research evidence suggests between five and 16 per cent of cancers are work-related. As such workplace exposures contribute significantly to the cancer burden for working Ontarians. A troubling trend has also seen occupational cancers claim significantly more worker lives than other work-related causes such as traumatic injuries.
When we fail to link toxic workplace exposures to occupational diseases cases also go unreported and undercompensated. Even worse, sources of exposure go uncontrolled. This is especially true for occupational illnesses including cancer which typically have long latency periods between workplace exposure(s) and disease onset.
For these reasons and more, trusted Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is critically important.
WHMIS TRAINING. PROMOTING COMPLIANCE AND WORKER HEALTH.
Complying with WHMIS changes
Are you aware that WHMIS laws have changed? In case you missed them, amendments to the federal Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) altered requirements for suppliers of hazardous products who must ensure their safety data sheets (SDS) and product labels comply with these changes by December 14, 2025.
Provincial and territorial law, including Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS Regulation (Reg. 860), establishes employer duties to obtain this information and ensure workers have access and can use it to protect their health and safety. Until December 2025, employers must choose to fully comply with either the former HPR or the amended HPR, not a combination. For instance, the employer cannot store or use a hazardous product with an old label and an updated SDS.
New training obligations. Trust WHSC.
Once workplaces transition to the amended HPR requirements, employers must also ensure workers exposed to or likely to be exposed to hazardous materials receive general WHMIS education that incorporates the amendments. Employers must also continue to provide training specific to workers’ jobs and workplace, including safety and emergency procedures related to hazardous materials.
Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) can help you understand and comply with all new WHMIS requirements. We have updated our WHMIS training and scheduled delivery in convenient instructor-led, real-time virtual classrooms intended for workers, supervisors and managers.
Like all WHSC training, our WHMIS program is highly interactive, applying adult learning principles to ensure learning is engaging, relevant and achieved. Upon successful completion, WHSC issues a WHMIS record of training and maintains student records for any future requirement.
REGISTER FOR AND COMPLETE WHMIS TRAINING TODAY!
Related resources
WHSC WHMIS resources
Updated WHMIS requirements focus of MLITSD compliance initiative
WHMIS Regulations (Ontario. Reg. 860)
Occupational cancer prevention in Ontario focus of groundbreaking new report
Towards a more accurate picture of worker, disability, disease and death.
Don’t see scheduled WHMIS training that suits your needs? Contact any of our Training Services Representatives to discuss options including how to bring WHMIS training to your workplace where participant numbers warrant. Be sure to ask about preferred pricing for larger groups.
Need other essential and legally mandated training such as Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification, workplace violence and harassment, worker health and safety awareness, and supervisor awareness and competency?
Check out our complete Training Catalogue and upcoming scheduled training programs.
Review WHSC training options by region.
Need training in French? Review our extensive French catalogue. Or contact WHSC training services representative, Christopher Gervais at [email protected] or 613-407-2187.
Need more information?
Contact a WHSC training services representative in your area.
Email: [email protected]
Visit: whsc.on.ca
Connect with and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube
link
