Final answer:
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a system that provides information on the safe use of hazardous materials at work, involving container labeling, safety data sheets, and worker training to ensure safety in handling these materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a comprehensive plan for providing information on the safe use of hazardous materials used in Canadian workplaces. Under WHMIS, there are three main elements that contribute to worker safety: labels on the containers of hazardous materials, safety data sheets (SDSs) - previously known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) - with detailed information on each material, and worker education and training programs. The goal is to ensure both employers and employees are aware of the hazards and know how to handle them safely.
Adhering to WHMIS requirements is part of the broader landscape of regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which seeks to protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job. Employers have a responsibility to inform workers about chemical hazards and implement precautions such as using safer chemicals, improving ventilation, and demanding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. These actions are in line with OSHA requirements which stipulate that employers should eliminate or reduce workplace hazards, inform employees about these hazards, and follow all safety and health standards.
Regulations by other organizations such as the United States Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also intersect with WHMIS, particularly in the handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.