Staying Safe and Healthy at Work

Introduction

• Importance of safety and health at work
• Focus on hazardous products in the workplace

WHMIS 2015 Program

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
• Ensures employees get necessary information to stay safe
• Key questions to consider:
  • What is the hazard?
  • How do I protect myself?
  • What should I do if there's an accident?
  • How do I get more information?

Responsibilities

• Manufacturers/Distributors/Suppliers: Responsible for product labeling and information
• Employers: Responsible for educating employees on safe handling of hazardous products

WHMIS Labels

• Each hazardous product must have a label with:
  • Symbols
  • Hazard statements
• 10 WHMIS symbols to recognize:
  • Exploding Bomb: Explosive or reactive hazards
  • Flame: Flammable products
  • Flame Over Circle: Oxidizing products
  • Gas Cylinder: Gases under pressure
  • Corrosion: Corrosive hazards to metal, skin, and eyes
  • Skull and Crossbones: Can cause death or toxicity with exposure
  • Exclamation Mark: May cause less serious health effects
  • Health Hazard: May cause serious health effects, e.g., cancer
  • Biohazardous: Infectious materials and toxins causing disease
  • Environment: May damage aquatic environments (optional in Canada)
• Labels include warnings and precautions for safe use

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Suppliers and distributors must provide detailed information
• SDS includes:
  • Safety information
  • Instructions for accidents or emergencies
• Must be accessible to all workers on-site

Training

• Employers must train workers on:
  • WHMIS system
  • Safe use and handling of hazardous products

Conclusion

• Importance of asking the four key questions
• Goal: Ensure safety and return home safe every day