As 2021 comes to a close, we start to reflect on our accomplishments of 2021 and look forward to our plans in 2022. The new year comes with many questions. Among the most popular are, “is this the year I finally get in shape” and “will I get that promotion I’ve bee working hard for?”. And if you happen to be Canadian, one particular question looms at the end of every single year, but with a slight variation. This year, that question is, “do I need WHMIS 2022 training?”

Luckily, we’re here to help you get an answer to that!

Is There a “New” WHMIS 2022 Training

So you’re likely wondering whether there’s a “new” WHMIS 2022 training. The short answer to this question is, no. The workplace hazardous materials information system training requirements have not been updated in 2022. But this doesn’t mean you don’t need to update your WHMIS training this year!

Before we get into updating your training, let’s quickly examine why this question is common.

When WHMIS was overhauled in 2015 to be more aligned with GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) people started referring to it as “WHMIS 2015”. This was necessary to distinguish between the new GHS-aligned WHMIS and the original WHMIS since there was a transition period bridging the old and new systems. At that point, the original WHMIS became known as “WHMIS 1988”.

To put it simply, the inclusion of the year that WHMIS integrated GHS components, 2015, is what’s led to Canadians asking if a “new” WHMIS was introduced every year.

Do You Need Updated WHMIS Training?

Another extremely popular question Canadians as is, who needs WHMIS training?

The answer to this is actually quite simple. Any worker in Canada who works with or is in close proximity to hazardous products needs to receive WHMIS training. Also, those who supervise these workers will need training as well, since they have a responsibility for keeping their workers safe and should understand the hazards that they may be exposed to.

Another related question that’s common is: How often do workers need WHMIS training?

This one doesn’t have a simple and concrete answer since there’s nothing in the legislation that clearly specifies how often workers need WHMIS training. There are, however, best practices relating to training frequency that most employers follow. You can learn more about WHMIS training expiration by visiting this blog post.

Keep in mind that, if a worker has never received WHMIS training and they’re currently working with or around chemicals, they need training ASAP.

WHMIS Training Recommendations and Best Practices

There are best practices that many Canadian companies follow that helps keep them compliant for WHMIS 2022 training.

For example, it’s often recommended that workers receive WHMIS training at least annually, especially if they’re working directly with hazardous products. This helps to ensure that the workers always have the knowledge to protect themselves and others from the dangers of working with chemicals.

Some employers will provide training less frequently than annually, and this can be perfectly fine. The frequency that workers will need training is dependent on a lot of factors that are specific to the workplace.

Many will agree that going beyond three years without WHMIS training is not advised. This will likely result in an increased risk of illness and injury from hazardous products. It also increases a company’s risk of penalties from its jurisdiction’s health and safety authority.

Get a WHMIS Certificate in 2022

Taking WHMIS training for the first time or updating your WHMIS certificate in 2022 has never been easier. Workers can now use online WHMIS training as an affordable and super-convenient option that’s becoming increasingly recognized by some of the largest companies in Canada. This beats the hassle of finding and attending an expensive, time-consuming classroom training session. Moreover, since COVID 19, the availability of classroom training has dropped significantly.

Taking the training with a reputable, trusted, and recognized training provider will ensure that your employer will accept your certificate without issue.

Training Your Employees

It’s never been easier for employers to provide WHMIS training to their employees. Companies can train their entire workforce using traditional instructor-led training, WHMIS videos, and for the ultimate time and cost-saving convenience, online training.

Instructor-led training sessions can be supplemented with high-quality training materials that save your internal instructors time and help provide consistent training every time.

If you prefer to stick to traditional training methods and want to train your staff internally, but don’t feel like you have the skills quite yet, you can take a convenient online WHMIS instructor course

Final Word

Even though there’s no updated “WHMIS 2022 training”, it doesn’t mean that workers won’t need to be trained in WHMIS this year.

If you’re a worker who needs to take WHMIS training for the first time in 2022 or you need an updated certificate, online training is an excellent option. You can complete the training and get your certificate in around one hour with a trusted and recognized provider.

If you’re a company that needs to train its workforce, you have many options that include instructor-led training, training videos, and even online training if you want to automate the WHMIS training process.

If you’re not sure what the best training option is for you and your workers, you can check out our free WHMIS Training 101 Guide that covers all things related to training.

Finally, feel free to reach out to us via live chat, email, or phone if you have any questions about WHMIS or any of our Canada Online Safety Training programs or if there’s anything else we can do to help.