Overview

Workplace safety in Canada is under the purview of the federal government per the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals in the Workplace (GHS). GHS defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets. Canada has implemented WHMIS 2015, a national chemical classification and hazard communication standard for workplace chemicals. It is a set of guidelines for ensuring the safe production, transport, handling, use and disposal of hazardous materials. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) incorporates the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (or GHS) for workplace chemicals. Other areas of concern include environmental emergency regulations, toxics reduction control measures, air quality, wastewater treatment regulations and others.