Nova Scotia has updated its workplace hazardous materials regulations to align with the national Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), ensuring consistency with other provinces and territories.
The updated Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, include changes to hazard classifications, terminology, definitions, labels, and safety data sheets. These adjustments aim to improve communication and safety for employers, employees, and self-employed individuals.
“When it comes to workplace safety, we all have a responsibility,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “The WHMIS framework plays a key role in the prevention of workplace accidents involving hazardous substances. Aligning Nova Scotia’s regulations with national rules will help everyone work safely.”
The new regulations mandate that employers and self-employed individuals update product labels and safety data sheets to comply with the changes by December 18. The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration’s safety branch provides updated information on its website, including a free, online WHMIS course available to all Nova Scotians. For further assistance, residents can contact the department at 1-800-9Labour.
The Department conducted a survey in 2022 among employers, industry associations, sector councils, and other stakeholders, all of whom supported the initiative to update Nova Scotia’s regulations to match the federal standards.
Additional resources
Workplace Health and Safety Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/ohsworkplace.htm
Workplace and technical safety information on the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration’s safety branch website: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-and-technical-safety/
Information about occupational health and safety in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/lae/healthandsafety/