www.wsps.ca 31
Step 4: Health & Safety in Action
Workplace hazardous materials
information system (Whmis)
The Right to Know is the premise on which
WHMIS is based. It is a system that is
used throughout North America to ensure
consistent labelling and categorizing of
hazardous materials. Employees must receive
WHMIS training, which allows them to
recognize hazards identified on warning labels
and Material Safety Data Sheets; to safely
handle, store and dispose of these materials;
and to apply appropriate first aid should they
come into contact with these materials.
As the employer, you need to ensure
that you:
Maintain an inventory of all hazardous
substances used in the workplace
Maintain up-to-date Material Safety Data
Sheets (you can get these from suppliers
and manufacturers) and make them
accessible to employees
Ensure hazardous substances are properly
labelled
Provide appropriate personal protective
equipment related to the use of these
substances
Provide workplace and job-specific
WHMIS training
Working Alone
Working alone, day or night, poses its own
particular set of risks. To minimize these
risks, it's important to:
Have someone maintain regular contact
with the employee
Keep emergency phone numbers
accessible and up-to-date
Secure access points
Avoid having to enter alleys or other
secluded places to dispose of waste
materials or park vehicles
Keep windows clear of posters and other
visual obstructions
Train employees how to respond to an
emergency when they are working alone
Ensure all tasks and equipment involved
can be safely handled by one worker.
electrical contact
Anything electrical offers the threat of
electrocution. There are many things that can
be done to minimize the risk:
Maintain equipment, with regular
inspections and repairs
Provide training on safe use
Provide appropriate personal protective
equipment
Keep the areas clean and dry around machines
at all times to prevent electrical hazards
Workplace Violence and harassment
Workplace violence and harassment can occur
in any environment. In Ontario, employers
are required to have a workplace violence
policy and program, as well as a workplace
harassment policy and program.
It is acceptable to roll your workplace violence
and harassment policies into your overall
occupational health & safety policy statement,
and must include:
Your commitment to protecting employees
from workplace violence and harassment
