Rights & Responsibilities Under WHMIS

WHMIS legislation outlines specific rights and responsibilities designed to protect workers from the risks associated with hazardous materials.

WHMIS establishes a shared duty of care among suppliers, employers, and workers by setting out clear expectations for hazard identification, labelling, safety data sheets (SDSs), and education and training.

Worker's Rights

Workers have the right to:

Know the hazards: Workers are entitled to be informed about any hazards that may be present in their workplace, including those that they may be exposed to.
Refuse unsafe work: If a worker believes that a task or condition presents a danger to their health or safety, they have the right to refuse work without fear of reprisal.
Consult with the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) or Health and Safety Representative: Workers can seek advice and assistance from their workplace’s JHSC or Health and Safety Representative on matters relating to health and safety.

Worker's Responsibilities

Workers are responsible for:

Participating in WHMIS training: Workers must attend and actively participate in WHMIS training sessions to stay informed and up to date on safety procedures.
Handling hazardous materials safely: Workers are responsible for using hazardous materials in a manner that minimizes risk to yourself and others.
Applying learned knowledge: It is essential that workers use the knowledge gained in training into practice in their day-to-day activities.
Reviewing labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): Before using any hazardous materials, workers should always read and understand the labels and SDSs to ensure safe handling.
Reporting issues with labels or SDSs: If workers encounter damaged, illegible, or missing labels or SDSs, they must report the issue to their supervisor immediately to address the problem.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers are responsible for:

Implementing the WHMIS program: Employers must establish and maintain an effective WHMIS program within the workplace to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Providing accessible information: Employers must ensure that workplace labels and up-to-date SDSs are readily available to all workers.
Training and education: Employers are responsible for educating workers on how to read, understand, and use labels and SDSs safely.
Maintaining a chemical inventory: Employers must prepare and regularly update an inventory of all hazardous materials present in the workplace, ensuring that all workers are aware of these materials and their associated risks.

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Supplier Responsibilities

Suppliers play a critical role in ensuring workplace safety by:

Providing essential product information: Suppliers must provide clear, accurate information about the hazardous products they supply, including the hazards and proper handling procedures.
Classifying hazardous products: Suppliers are required to properly classify products according to WHMIS regulations to ensure appropriate hazard identification.
Providing labels and SDSs: Suppliers must ensure that all hazardous products are accompanied by appropriate supplier labels and SDSs, providing workers with the information necessary to handle the materials safely.