The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), which came into effect October 1988, is Canada’s national hazard communication standard. WHMIS is changing this year with the incorporation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling for chemicals (GHS). This will align WHMIS with those requirements in the U.S. and other Canadian trading partners.
An onus is placed on employers to ensure that controlled or hazardous products used, stored, handled or disposed of in the workplace are properly labelled, material safety data sheets [(M) SDSs] are made available to workers, and workers receive education and training to ensure the safe storage, handling and use of these products in the workplace. As jewellers and most businesses have such products on the premises of their locations training is needed.
Here are some web sites to help you understand your obligations and how to train your employees.
www.whmis.org – One-stop-shop for all your GHS needs. Contains useful links and organizes information based on compliance category (e.g. worker, employer, supplier etc.)
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/WHMIS/Resources.asp – WorkSafe BC resources on WHMIS. This also includes free videos on WHMIS (scroll to the middle of the page) and links to free training provided by CCOHS.
http://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/whmis_workers/ – WHMIS 2015 for Workers by CCOHS – Free 1-hour long eLearning (cost is $10/seat if more than one login required). Participants get a certificate after finishing this course.
Each Province has its own Ministry that looks after compliance. Here is a link to a company that provides training (for a fee) and lists the provincial web sites across the top of their home page:
http://getwhmisonline.com/
This press release is distributed by Jewellers Vigilance Canada. JVC was established in 1987 as an independent non-profit association with a mandate to advance ethical practices, establish a level playing field for the Canadian jewellery industry and provide crime prevention education for the trade as well as assistance for law enforcement. CJ
