The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a national standard in Canada that outlines the requirements for the safe handling, storage, and use of hazardous materials in the workplace. The purpose of WHMIS is to ensure that workers are aware of the potential hazards of the materials they are working with and that they have the information they need to work safely.

Enforcing the WHMIS regulations falls under the jurisdiction of various federal, provincial, and territorial government agencies in Canada. Let’s take a closer look at who enforces WHMIS in Canada.

Federal Government

The federal government is responsible for regulating hazardous materials in industries under federal jurisdiction, such as transportation, interprovincial trade, and federal workplaces. The federal agency responsible for enforcing WHMIS in these industries is Health Canada, which is also responsible for maintaining the WHMIS regulations.

Health Canada conducts inspections of federal workplaces and carries out enforcement actions if it finds any violations of the WHMIS regulations. The agency can issue fines, stop-work orders, and even prosecute non-compliant employers.

Provincial and Territorial Governments

Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for enforcing WHMIS in industries that are not under federal jurisdiction, such as construction, retail, and service industries. Each province and territory has its own agency responsible for enforcing WHMIS regulations.

For example, in Ontario, the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development is responsible for enforcing WHMIS in all workplaces except those under federal jurisdiction. The ministry conducts inspections of workplaces and can issue orders, fines, and prosecutions for non-compliance.

In Quebec, the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) is responsible for enforcing WHMIS in all workplaces except those under federal jurisdiction. The CNESST carries out inspections of workplaces and can issue orders, fines, and even close down a workplace if necessary.

Employers

Employers are also responsible for enforcing WHMIS in their workplaces. Employers are required to educate their workers about the hazards of the materials they work with and to provide appropriate training and safety equipment.

Employers must also ensure that hazardous materials are properly labeled and that safety data sheets are readily available to workers. Employers who do not comply with WHMIS regulations can be fined or prosecuted under federal or provincial/territorial laws.

WHMIS regulations in Canada is the responsibility of various government agencies at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. Employers also have a crucial role to play in ensuring that their workplaces are WHMIS compliant. By working together, government agencies and employers can help ensure the safety of Canadian workers when working with hazardous materials.