WHMIS training doesn’t exactly scream excitement. It’s not flashy. It’s not the kind of thing your crew gathers around the water cooler to talk about. But if you’ve got hazardous products in your workplace—and you probably do—then WHMIS isn’t optional. It’s legally required. It protects your workers. And if you skip it, the consequences can be brutal.
The good news? Online WHMIS training can be straightforward, cost-effective, and even—dare we say—useful, if you choose the right course and partner.
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’ve helped hundreds of companies across Alberta and beyond make WHMIS training a seamless part of their safety programs. We’re going to break it all down for you—what WHMIS is, why it matters, who needs it, and how to choose an online course that won’t waste your team’s time (or yours).
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It’s Canada’s national communication standard for hazardous products used in the workplace.
The purpose is simple: make sure every worker can recognize a hazard, know how to handle it safely, and understand what to do if something goes wrong.
There are three core components:
Since 2015, WHMIS has been aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and most workplaces are now transitioning to the 2022 updates, which include expanded hazard classifications and updated labeling standards.
More info: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/general.html
Let’s start with the big one—compliance.
If your business uses, stores, handles, or could expose workers to hazardous products, you are required by law to provide WHMIS training. Period.
Every province and territory in Canada has adopted this requirement through its occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation. For example, in Alberta, Section 397 of the OHS Code makes it clear: workers must be trained in WHMIS before they handle any controlled product.
Failing to comply isn’t just a paperwork problem. Penalties include:
We’ve seen companies hit with six-figure fines because of WHMIS non-compliance during spot inspections. And that’s not even considering the impact of a serious incident or injury due to a preventable chemical exposure.
Want to dive into the federal guidelines?
Check out: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system.html
Let’s say it again for the folks in the back: WHMIS saves lives.
You’d be amazed how often injuries happen because someone didn’t know what was in the bottle. We’re talking about:
These aren’t rare events. They’re daily risks in workplaces across Canada.
When your staff understands what they’re working with, those risks drop. That means fewer injuries, fewer days lost, and lower incident rates. It also boosts morale. Workers who feel informed and protected are more confident—and more loyal.
We’ve worked with clients who saw a noticeable drop in first aid incidents and chemical near-misses after rolling out proper WHMIS training. It doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be consistent.
This is a big question, and the answer might surprise you.
Almost everyone.
You don’t need to be a chemical plant or an oil and gas facility to fall under WHMIS. If you’ve got hazardous products on site, you need to train your workers. That includes:
Even that bleach in the janitor’s closet? Yep, that’s a WHMIS product.
Temporary workers, part-timers, interns—they all need WHMIS if they’re exposed. You can’t skip training just because someone isn’t on staff full-time.
Here’s what CCOHS says:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/education_training.html
Now let’s talk about how to actually deliver that training. Online WHMIS training is the most common method these days—it’s flexible, affordable, and scalable.
But not all online courses are equal. If you’re looking for something that’s actually effective (and compliant), make sure it checks these boxes:
1. It’s current with WHMIS 2022.
Some providers are still offering outdated content. You want a course that covers the most recent GHS-aligned classifications, including “Chemicals Under Pressure” and new flammable gas categories.
2. It’s interactive and easy to follow.
Look for a course that breaks content into small, digestible sections. Videos, animations, and scenario-based quizzes help keep learners engaged.
3. It works on all devices.
Your team should be able to complete the course on phones, tablets, or laptops—whether they’re in the field or in the office.
4. It issues instant certificates.
When training is complete, you need the certificate now—not next week. Some courses even integrate certificate tracking and reminders for refreshers.
5. There’s no penalty for failure.
A good program allows unlimited attempts and focuses on learning, not punishment.
6. It includes employer tracking.
You should be able to log in, see who’s completed training, and generate reports for audits.
7. It includes bilingual and accessibility options.
WHMIS isn’t effective if your staff can’t understand the material. Look for English and French content, plus closed captions and visual aids.
8. It includes support for workplace-specific training.
WHMIS isn’t just about the system—it’s about how it applies in your workplace. Look for providers that can customize content or add live follow-ups.
This is where we come in. At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’ve made it our mission to take the guesswork out of WHMIS compliance.
We offer a fully online WHMIS 2022-compliant course that’s designed with Canadian businesses in mind—especially those operating in construction, trades, manufacturing, energy, and warehousing.
Here’s what you get with us:
And most importantly? You’ll be working with real safety professionals who know what it’s like to run crews, manage projects, and deal with regulators. We don’t just talk safety—we live it.
If you're ready to make WHMIS training easy, visit https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca or email us at john@calgarysafetyconsultants.ca. We’ll get you started, answer your questions, and even set up a free trial if you want to test the course before enrolling your team.
Think of WHMIS like seatbelts. You don’t install them because you expect a crash. You install them because not having them is insane. WHMIS training is the same. It’s your first line of defence when working with hazardous materials, and it’s one of the simplest ways to build a safer workplace.
If your team understands the labels, the SDSs, and how to work safely, you’re ahead of 80% of the businesses out there.
So don’t leave it for “later.” Do it now, do it right—and get a partner who’s got your back.
WHMIS General Overview – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/general.html
WHMIS Education Requirements – CCOHS
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/education_training.html
Health Canada – WHMIS Roles and Responsibilities
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system/roles-responsibilities-whmis.html
HR Covered – Employer’s Guide to WHMIS
https://www.hrcovered.com/understanding-the-importance-of-whmis-a-guide-for-employers/
Canada Safety Training – WHMIS Online Certificate Info
https://www.canadasafetytraining.com/products/whmis-online-certification.aspx
Yes. Both federal and provincial occupational health and safety legislation mandate WHMIS education and workplace-specific training.
Yes. Calgary Safety Consultants provides WHMIS 2015 compliant online training for Canadian workplaces, along with customized support and documentation for compliance.
Training should be reviewed annually and updated when new hazardous products are introduced or when roles or procedures change.
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada’s national standard for communicating workplace chemical hazards. It ensures workers are properly trained to understand labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and how to safely handle hazardous products.
Anyone who works with or near hazardous products—including cleaners, solvents, adhesives, compressed gases, and aerosols—must receive WHMIS training. This includes full-time employees, part-time workers, contractors, and even temporary staff.
Yes, online WHMIS training is widely accepted across all provinces and territories, provided it covers the most current WHMIS 2022 requirements and includes workplace-specific reinforcement.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
