Why was WHMIS Created?
Increase awareness to workers!
- Many Canadian workers are exposed to hazardous materials on the job.
- In the past, information about these materials has often been incomplete, inconsistent or not available at all.
- This means that employers and workers were often unaware of the hazards of a material in the workplace, and of the necessary handling precautions.
- This lack of awareness can cause serious occupational illness and injury.
- By setting standards for the type and amount of information to be given to the users of hazardous materials, it is expected that accidents and diseases caused by hazardous materials in the workplace will be reduced.
- WHMIS was the response to the Canadian workers‘ right to know about the safety and health hazards that may be associated with the materials or chemicals they use at work.