If you’re a Canadian worker or employer, chances are that you know a thing or two about WHMIS. You probably also know that sometime in the last few years, there were some significant changes made to the system. You’ve maybe even heard it being referred to as WHMIS 2015 and are wondering if WHMIS 2015 training is a requirement.

There’s a good chance that you’ve already had WHMIS training or have provided it to your workers. If not, you might be looking for more information about WHMIS, some options for taking WHMIS 2015 training or even for a quick and easy way to provide it to your workers.

Let’s go over a few WHMIS basics before we answer the big question of, “Do I need to update my WHMIS 2015 training and what’s my best option”.

What Exactly is WHMIS 2015?

In February 2015, Canada adopted several components from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

GHS is a global system that was developed by the united nations with the expectation that it would increase safety for employees who work around hazardous chemicals. GHS standardizes how chemical hazards are classified and how the health and safety information associated with the products are communicated.

The updated WHMIS is now referred to as WHMIS 2015, whereas the old system is referred to as WHMIS 1988. A distinction needed to be made due to the significant changes.

Some of the primary changes include the ways in which chemicals are classified, updated symbols, new labeling requirements, and the replacement of Material Safety Data Sheets with the 16-section Safety Data Sheets.

It is because of these significant changes that WHMIS training requirements have been updated to include the new WHMIS 2015 components.

What’s Required in WHMIS 2015 Training

As we already mentioned, Canada adopted several components from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemical (GHS) in 2015. This resulted in what is now called WHMIS 2015. As of that date, in order for WHMIS training to be compliant, it has to include WHMIS 2015 information.  However, there’s more to it.

Because there is a transitional period that lasts until 2018, components from the old WHMIS (WHMIS 1988) will still be used in Canadian workplaces. This means that not only does training have to include WHMIS 2015 to be compliant, but in many cases, WHMIS 1988 as well.

General WHMIS 2015 training should include information on the following topics:

• What WHMIS is and why it’s important
• WHMIS rights and responsibilities
• Chemicals and their adverse health effects
• How chemicals enter the body
• Hazard classification
• The meanings of symbols and pictograms
• How to read safety data sheets and material safety data sheets
• How to read labels, and what information is required to be displayed on them
• WHMIS education and training requirements
• General safety and protective measures

Do You or Your Workers Need WHMIS Training?

So, the big questions. If you’re a worker that may be exposed to hazardous products within the workplace, do you require updated WHMIS 2015 training? If you’re an employer, do you need to ensure that your workers receive adequate WHMIS 2015 training?

The short answer to both questions is, Yes!

Workers need to receive updated training on the changes since they significantly impact several of the elements contained within WHMIS.

Workers who do not receive updated training are at risk for significant injuries and illnesses. Employers who do not train their workers with updated WHMIS 2015 training are out of compliance with the legislation.

WHMIS Training Options

Now that we’ve determined that WHMIS 2015 training is definitely a requirement, let’s review some of the most popular options for getting WHMIS certified or providing WHMIS training to your workers.

Options for Taking WHMIS Training

Often, workers will have WHMIS training provided to them by their company. Typically, this is done through instructor-led classroom training, video-based training, online WHMIS 2015 training or other similar methods.

There are, however, many cases where employers will require their workers to find and take the training on their own. This is especially common for new hires who require WHMIS 2015 training prior to their first day of work.

While there are live training centers where workers can take instructor-led WHMIS 2015 training, they are often costly, inconvenient, and time-consuming.

Online WHMIS 2015 training is quickly becoming one of the most popular and convenient methods for receiving a WHMIS 2015 certificate.

The many benefits of taking your WHMIS 2015 training online include:

• Very reasonable pricing
• The ability to take the training at your own pace
• The ability to take the training from anywhere
• Instant access to WHMIS 2015 certificates upon completion
• Reduce training time (some online WHMIS 2015 training courses can be completed in as little as 60 minutes)

You can learn more about whether taking WHMIS 2015 training online is your best option by checking out this article.

Options for Providing WHMIS 2015 Training to Your Workers

Providing workers with WHMIS  training can seem daunting for employers. This is especially true when considering the many challenges companies can face.

Due to operational requirements and limited resources, many employers have a very hard time making groups of workers available for training. This doesn’t just result in workers not getting trained. In many cases, it also results in decreased efficiency of available resources.

Each employer is different. That’s why there’s no “one size fits all” method of WHMIS 2015 training. Luckily, employers have multiple options. We’ll focus on the two most popular options: WHMIS  Training Online and Instructor-led Classroom Training that’s conducted on-site.

Instructor-Led WHMIS 2015 Training

An instructor-led approach is one of the most traditional methods of providing WHMIS training to workers. Instructor-led training typically takes place at the workplace in a classroom setting. If an external instructor is used, the training may take place in the workplace or at the providers training facility.

Instructor-led training usually contains lecture components and is often augmented with training materials that include a WHMIS PowerPoint presentation, workbooks, and other WHMIS-related materials.

Instructor-led training can be extremely effective if done correctly. Additionally, it usually works best when supplemented with high-quality WHMIS 2015 training materials.

Online WHMIS 2015 Training

WHMIS online training is one of the most convenient methods that employers can use to meet their obligations in providing WHMIS training to their workers. Online training leverages current technology including high-speed internet and mobile devices to deliver interactive training experiences to learners of all types.

The many benefits of providing WHMIS training online to your workers include:

• The highest convenience of all the WHMIS Training methods
• Can be accessed from PC’s and mobile devices from anywhere with an internet connection, at anytime
• Training takes less time to complete than other methods
• Workers can take training at their own pace
• Can provide automated record-keeping and administration
• Instant training status tracking
• Can eliminate or reduce operational delays, resulting in improved productivity
• Can be less expensive than more traditional training methods
• Consistent message for every worker

Workplace Specific Training

While workplace specific WHMIS training may not be required in all cases, there are MANY scenarios where workplace specific training will be required, EVEN after a worker has obtained a WHMIS training certificate.

It is an employer’s responsibility to assess the workplace, the processes, and the hazardous products used, and determine if workers will need additional workplace specific training.

One thing is certain, if workers will be directly handling hazardous products, then they will need workplace specific training.

WHMIS 2015 Training with OnlineWHMIS.ca

Whether you’re a worker looking to get WHMIS Certified today or an employer looking for a quick and easy way to train your workers, OnlineWHMIS.ca has the solution for you.

Each of our WHMIS training products is both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015 compliant, contain high-quality content, are affordable and easy-to-use, and come with a money-back satisfaction guarantee 🙂

Get Started today with OnlineWHMIS.ca – Canada’s Trusted and Recognized WHMIS Training Provider.