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WHMIS was created to fulfill workplace obligations to let Canadian workers know about potential safety and health hazards associated with the materials or chemicals they use at work.
Exposure to hazardous materials can cause or contribute to serious health issues. These issues can include effects on the nervous system, kidney or lung damage, and sterility, cancer, burns and rashes. Some hazardous materials can cause fires or explosions. WHMIS was created to help prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths and associated medical costs, and property damage from explosions and fires caused by hazardous materials.
Who Developed WHMIS? WHMIS was developed by a steering committee with representatives from government, industry and labour to ensure that the best interests of all three groups were incorporated.
Is compliance with WHMIS necessary? YES, WHMIS became law through a series of complementary federal, provincial and territorial legislation that became effective October 31, 1988. Most of the information requirements of WHMIS legislation were incorporated into the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act.
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