Lesson 5: Responsibilities

Glossary

It is important that both employers and employees recognize their responsibilities when it comes to WHMIS.  All Canadian jurisdictions require that employers have a worker education program that enables workers to work safely with hazardous chemicals.
In this section, you will learn the responsibilities of both the worker and the employer.

Workers' Responsibilities

Workers must learn how to identify hazardous materials and to handle them safely in the workplace.

  WHMIS worker education and training includes:

  • Checking the workplace for hazardous materials

  • Recognizing and understanding WHMIS labels

  • Reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) used at the workplace

  • Handling, storing, and disposing of controlled products

  • Handling controlled product emergencies.

  • Informing management about damaged or missing supplier labels
  • Participating in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs.
  • Taking necessary steps to protect themselves and their co-workers.
 Courtesy of Worksafe BC
 

Employers' Responsibilities

For the purposes of WHMIS, an employer is the user or producer of a controlled product in the workplace. 
As such, employers have certain responsibilities also.

  Employers' are responsible to:
  • Ensure that all containers of controlled products have a legible supplier label
  • Obtain the SDS from suppliers and ensure they are current and accessible for workers
  • Establish education and training programs for workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials in the workplace
  • Review information and training programs every year
  • Provide PPE (personal protective equipment) for employees

For more information about employers' responsibilities, click here .

Courtesy of Worksafe BC