When did WHMIS first become law?

The correct answer is 1988, as this was the year when the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) first came into effect in Canada. WHMIS was developed to address the need for a standardized approach to communicating hazards associated with hazardous materials in the workplace. The system includes labels, safety data sheets, and worker education and training programs, ensuring that workers are informed about the hazards they may encounter and how to protect themselves.

By establishing a clear and consistent minimal standard across the country, WHMIS plays a crucial role in improving workplace safety and promoting a culture of health and safety in various industries. Since its inception in 1988, WHMIS has been updated periodically to keep pace with changes in workplace safety regulations and to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), further enhancing its effectiveness.