Become WHMIS-Compliant: WHMIS Certification for Food Businesses

Written by Canadian Institute of Food Safety | Jan 2, 2025 6:00:36 PM

Navigating workplace safety requirements can feel overwhelming, but ensuring your food business is WHMIS-compliant is not just a legal obligation—it is essential for protecting your staff and customers.

If you are unsure about your compliance status, this guide is here to help. We will explain what WHMIS is, provide a checklist to assess your business and introduce you to a WHMIS course that can make compliance simple.

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It is Canada’s national communication standard for workplace chemical hazards and is designed to ensure that workers have access to the information they need to stay safe when handling hazardous materials.

For food businesses, this typically includes cleaning chemicals, sanitizers and other materials that may pose health risks if mishandled.

WHMIS Legislation

WHMIS legislation was first established in Canada in 1988 before being amended in 2015 to align more closely with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Further updates were introduced in 2022.

WHMIS legislation applies to all industries and workplaces, including food businesses, where chemicals or other hazardous materials are present.

There are three core areas covered by WHMIS legislation:

Labels: Hazard-controlled products must have clear labels that outline their associated risks.
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): These provide detailed information about a product, including handling instructions, potential hazards and first aid measures.
Training and education: Workers must know how to read WHMIS labels and SDSs, as well as how to safely handle and store hazardous materials.

Why WHMIS compliance matters

Failing to comply with WHMIS can result in serious consequences, including workplace accidents, food contamination, fines and reputational damage. By prioritizing WHMIS compliance, you demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and legal responsibility.

WHMIS compliance checklist

Use this checklist to determine if your food business meets Canadian WHMIS requirements.

1. Do you have properly labelled hazardous products?
Are all cleaning agents, sanitizers and other chemicals labelled with WHMIS-compliant symbols and warnings?	YES	NO
Are labels in good condition and easy to read?	YES	NO
2. Are Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) available?
Do you have up-to-date SDSs for every hazardous product on-site?	YES	NO
Are they stored in a location easily accessible to all staff?	YES	NO
3. Are all relevant employees WHMIS-certified?
Have all employees handling hazardous materials completed a WHMIS certification course?	YES	NO
Are employees confident in their ability to interpret WHMIS labels and SDSs?	YES	NO
4. Do you have a hazard communication plan?
Have you established clear procedures for handling and storing hazardous products?	YES	NO
Do you conduct regular safety drills or refreshers on WHMIS protocols?	YES	NO
5. Are records up to date?
Do you have documentation proving that employees have completed a WHMIS Certification course?	YES	NO
Are your SDSs and hazard inventory regularly reviewed and updated?	YES	NO

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your business may not be fully WHMIS-compliant.

Achieving compliance through the WHMIS course

WHMIS legislation in Canada requires all food industry professionals who handle hazardous materials at work to obtain certification through the successful completion of an accredited WHMIS Certification course.

The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) delivers a government-approved WHMIS course that equips staff with the knowledge they need to maintain a safe work environment in compliance with WHMIS regulations. This includes:

An overview of WHMIS legislation and its importance
How to identify WHMIS symbols and understand their meanings
Steps to read and interpret SDSs
Best practices for handling and storing hazardous products in the workplace
Emergency procedures in case of exposure or accidents

Who requires WHMIS certification?

WHMIS certification is mandatory for numerous roles in the food industry, including:

Food Handlers: Those who directly handle food products and ingredients must be aware of the hazards associated with chemicals used in food processing and sanitation.
Maintenance staff: These workers often deal with cleaning agents and other chemicals that require WHMIS certification.
Transport and delivery workers: Those responsible for transporting hazardous materials must understand WHMIS regulations to prevent accidents during transit.
Managers and supervisors: Individuals in these roles need to understand WHMIS to ensure their teams are properly trained and to oversee the safe handling of hazardous materials.

Benefits of WHMIS certification

Investing in WHMIS certification offers several advantages:

Enhanced safety: Reduce the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses.
Legal compliance: Avoid fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Improved efficiency: Well-trained employees can safely handle hazardous materials without unnecessary delays.
Peace of mind: Know that your business is prepared to meet legal and ethical safety standards.

Common WHMIS mistakes to avoid

Even the most mindful of business owners can misjudge the implementation of WHMIS protocols. Here are a few to watch out for:

Relying on outdated SDSs or incomplete hazard inventories.
Assuming employees understand WHMIS without taking part in a WHMIS training program.
Neglecting to update training as new products or hazards are introduced.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your business stays compliant and your staff and customers remain safe.

Take action to maintain WHMIS compliance

Ensuring your business is WHMIS-compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by reviewing the checklist above and identifying any gaps in your current practices. If education is required, enroll your staff in the online WHMIS course provided by CIFS. It is straightforward, accessible and designed for business owners just like you.

Make compliance a priority today. Not only will it safeguard your team and customers, but it will also give you the confidence that your business meets Canada’s strict safety standards.

Enroll online to start your compliance journey or contact CIFS to discover all the benefits of WHMIS compliance.

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