Update On Changes To WHMIS Requirements And Transition Period

Work Safe Alberta has released an Occupational Health and Safety bulletin to assist Alberta employers and workers understand the impact of the recent amendments to the federal WHMIS legislation ( see my earlier blog post Federal government announces changes to WHMIS Legislation ) particularly during the transition period when suppliers have the option to comply with either the new WHMIS system (WHMIS 2015) or the old system (WHMIS 1988).

During the transition period, Alberta employers may receive hazardous products that follow either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015. Employers will need to be familiar with both systems and be able to educate and train workers on both systems. The Work Safe Alberta bulletin provides guidance to employers in meeting their WHMIS obligations during this transition period and until Alberta's occupational health and safety legislation is amended to align with the federal WHMIS changes.