Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is important in the field of occupational health and safety. WHMIS is a Canada-wide system that protects the health and safety of workers through providing information about the hazardous materials they work with on the job or may come in contact with. WHMIS addresses the worker’s “right to know” about hazards that they may face in the workplace
The essential components to WHMIS are:
- Labelling.
- Safety data sheets (SDS) (previously called material safety data sheets (MSDSs)).
- Worker education and training.
WHMIS legislation applies in every province and territory, as well as in workplaces covered by federal law.
In 2015, WMHIS aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).