Why Your Employees Need a WHMIS Certificate for Enhanced Workplace Safety

Learn why a WHMIS Certificate is essential for workplace safety and compliance, and how it benefits both employees and employers.

Knowing what materials you are working with or working around and the dangers they can present is essential to avoiding on-the-job accidents. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certificate training is a cornerstone of workplace safety that every Canadian business should make a priority.  

Understanding WHMIS

WHMIS is Canada’s national workplace communication standard introduced in 1988 and updated in 2015 to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The system designed to ensure the safety and health of workers through cautionary labelling of containers of WHMIS controlled products, the provision of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and worker education and site-specific training programs. It ensures that employees fully understand the hazards associated with the products they work with. It also provides information on how to handle and store them safely. 

Importance of WHMIS Certification

Legal Compliance

WHMIS training is legally mandated for all Canadian employers and employees involved in the handling or presence of hazardous materials at work. WHMIS certification ensures that your business meets federal and provincial/territorial regulations, thus protecting you from potential legal action. Failure to comply can lead to legal repercussions including fines and sanctions. 

Enhanced Safety

Because certified employees are knowledgeable about the hazardous materials they work with, including their potential effects and how to handle them safely, it drastically reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace. It enables employees to act safely and responsibly should there be an unforeseen incident, therefore improving overall workplace safety.

Improved Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, such as a chemical spill or other hazardous exposure, employees trained in WHMIS can react swiftly and correctly with confidence. Understanding and applying procedures for emergency response and first aid can prevent situations from escalating while reducing the impact of the incident on the organization as a whole. Not only are your employees safeguarded but potential downtime for your business is minimized.

Increased Employee Confidence

Knowledge is power. When employees have the education and tools to manage the risks associated with hazardous materials, they feel more confident and valued. This can boost morale and lead to improved job satisfaction and productivity. Employers who invest in the health and safety of their workforce are more likely to see higher retention rates, thereby reducing turnover and the costs associated with training new hires.

Cost Savings

While you might not see it right away, WHMIS training can result in significant cost savings over time. Reduced WCB premiums, fewer WCB claims, lower WCB claims costs and less absenteeism due to injuries or illnesses caused by hazardous exposures, all contribute to the financial bottom line. Additionally, a proactive approach to preventing accidents through education reduces the risk of costly legal battles and fines.

Implementing WHMIS Training at Your Workplace

Introducing WHMIS training within your organization is simple and straightforward but requires a structured and ongoing approach. Here are key steps to ensure your workforce is covered:

• Assessment of Needs: Identify the specific needs of your workplace based on the types of hazardous materials handled. This assessment will guide the scope and focus of the training.
• Choosing the Training Program: Select a WHMIS training program that is comprehensive and compliant with current regulations. This training can be delivered in various formats, including in-person sessions, online courses, or blended learning options. BCL Consulting can schedule your training.
• Regular Updates and Refresher Courses: Hazardous materials and safety regulations are subject to change and even if they don’t, trying to recall what to do in the face of an emergency can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to keep your employees’ training up to date with regular refresher courses.
• Documentation and Certification: Ensure that all training is documented and that employees receive certification upon completion. This not only complies with legal requirements but also allows you to track training completion across your organization.
• Integration with Company Safety Policies: Integrate WHMIS training into your broader health and safety policies. Making WHMIS training part of your onboarding process ensures the safety of new hires and those they work with. It can help create a culture of safety that extends beyond compliance and becomes part of the everyday routine.

Whether it is toxic chemicals or just everyday cleaning solutions, WHMIS training is a crucial investment in the wellbeing of your employees and the operational efficiency of your business. By ensuring that your employees are WHMIS certified, you not only comply with legal regulations but also build a proactive safety culture within your business. 

Remember, a safe workplace is a productive workplace. With BCL Consulting, enhanced workplace safety can start today. 

If you are interested in WHMIS certification for your organization, BCL Consulting can schedule your online training through St. John Ambulance. For more information on WHMIS and workplace safety, you can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin, reach us via email at [email protected], and you can always contact us directly, during business hours, using our chat feature or by telephone at 1-844-377-9545.