WHMIS training is necessary to ensure workplace safety, particularly for those that deal with or exist in close proximity to hazardous materials. Without the proper knowledge and training on what to look out for and how to handle these materials safely, workers are in danger of contracting severe illnesses or suffering brutal accidents that can hamper their livelihoods.
As such, the team at Auspice Safety would like you to know about WHMIS training and how it helps workplaces.
WHMIS Training – Explained
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a Canadian system used to comprehensively gather and store information related to hazardous materials and their effects in the workplace. This system includes specific principles for identifying hazards, requirements for labelling hazards and safety data sheets (SDSs) that informs about how the materials adversely affect health and how to safely handle them.
WHMIS training involves the education of workers on how to use, handle, store, and dispose of hazardous materials safely when at work. The process is designed to equip workers with the necessary knowledge and skills that allow them to properly mitigate and eliminate hazards that are caused by these materials.
WHMIS training aims to prevent hazardous materials from causing accidents and injuries in the workplace. As such, any workers in Canada who deal with or work close to hazardous materials have to complete the training program. The WHMIS program is updated periodically, as such workers need to stay abreast of the program’s updates as well.
The Process of WHMIS Training
There are several steps that workers taking this safety training program need to complete to show they have the necessary skill set to handle hazardous materials safely. These steps include:
- Identifying the physical, health and environmental hazards caused by the materials in question.
- Understanding the symbols, hazard statements, precautionary measures and other requirements for labelling hazardous materials.
- Comprehensively grasping the information on the SDSs to fully understand the potential risks and required safety measures needed for hazardous materials.
- Knowing how to choose, use and sustain the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain their safety.
- Learning the proper procedures for any emergency that involves hazardous materials like cleaning up spills, clearing the area and administering first aid.
By participating in this training, workers can significantly increase their safety in the workplace and boost their productivity as well.
Why Is WHMIS Training Necessary for Workplace Safety?
Providing WHMIS training to workers facilitates safety in the workplace. Here is how that happens:
- The training allows employees to identify and take appropriate measures against threats and hazards caused by hazardous materials, preventing accidents and injuries.
- It also increases awareness of the danger posed by these materials and the measures required to mitigate or eliminate these dangers.
- WHMIS training is legally mandatory so companies need to comply or they face legal consequences such as fines and other penalties.
- This training prevents hazardous materials from escaping containment and harming the environment.
Auspice Safety Inc. – Safety Assessment & Training for Public & Private Sectors
Without WHMIS training, workers are more likely to fall victim to the hazards caused by hazardous materials, leading to workplace accidents and injuries. With the skills provided by this program, workplace safety becomes surer and the risks to the company and the environment dwindle as well.
Please contact us if you need any safety training programs for you or your employees. Auspice Safety Inc. has provided clients with health and safety consulting for over 30 years. Our training in workplace safety and WHMIS is top-notch and we are committed to ensuring you and your employees stay safe and productive.