Canadian Workplace Safety & WHMIS

Canada has no single OSHA. Each province and territory has its own occupational health and safety law, and the federal government covers federally regulated workplaces. Workers who cross the border or work for companies in both countries should know the basics.

• Cross-Border Workers
• Employers
• Canada

Who regulates

• Provinces and territories set and enforce safety law for most workplaces. Rules vary by jurisdiction.
• The federal government covers federally regulated work such as banks, airlines, interprovincial transport and telecommunications.
• Compared with the United States, Canada has strong worker rights written into law in most places.
• The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides free information. CSA Group writes many standards used in Canada, such as for hard hats, fall protection and electrical.

Three basic worker rights

• The right to know about hazards at work, with training and information. See Hazard Communication.
• The right to participate through joint health and safety committees or representatives, which include workers and management.
• The right to refuse work you reasonably believe is dangerous, without being punished. The process (report, investigation, steps) varies by jurisdiction.

WHMIS 2015

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada's hazard communication system. Since 2015 it follows the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), the same basis as the United States' hazard communication standard.

• Pictograms: standard symbols such as flame, skull and crossbones, corrosion, health hazard and exclamation mark. Some details differ from the U.S. label.
• Supplier labels: product identifier, hazard statements, precautionary statements, supplier name and pictograms, in English and French.
• Safety data sheets (SDS): 16 sections, similar to U.S. SDSs. See Safety Data Sheets.
• Workplace labels for products moved to other containers. See Secondary Container Labels.
• Training: employers must train workers on hazards, labels, SDSs and safe use.

Working across the border

• Know which jurisdiction's rules apply where you are working
• Get site-specific orientation and training
• Check which PPE and equipment standards apply (CSA or ANSI)
• Read labels and SDSs on both sides; classification can differ slightly
• Know the local rules for reporting injuries, workers' compensation and refusals
• Ask for materials in English or French as needed

Last updated: October 8, 2026