The workplace hazardous material information system (WHMIS) is a comprehensive safety plan for the handling of dangerous material used in Canadian work environments. This plan includes information in the form of material safety data sheets (MSDS), training programs for workers, and labels for specific products. This safety plan incorporates the worker's right to know what hazardous materials they are working with.
Hazardous materials can cause serious health problems with exposure including sterility, lung and kidney damage, nervous system damage, cancer, or burns. WHMIS must be provided to Canadian workers by law, and is incorporated into the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act. WHMIS became law in October 31, 1988 through a series of federal, territorial and provincial legislation.
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