Nova Scotia Updates Regulations to Align with Federal Government’s WHMIS

Nova Scotia is incorporating the Canada-wide workplace hazards communications standard in provincial regulations and making other related updates to align with the standard as well as regulations in other provinces and territories.

The national Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is implemented by provinces and territories. Changes to Nova Scotia’s Workplace Health and Safety Regulations will ensure consistency with other jurisdictions and include updates to hazard classifications, terminology, definitions, labels and safety data sheets that will improve communication, clarity and safety for employers, employees and self-employed people.

“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 updated regulations, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, will make it clear that the requirements apply to self-employed people, along with employers and employees.

Employers and self-employed people will be required to 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 has updated information available on its website, including the free, online WHMIS course available to all Nova Scotians. Nova Scotians can also contact 1-800-9Labour for assistance.

Quick Facts:

• the Department conducted a survey in 2022 for employers, industry associations, sector councils and others; respondents were all supportive of the initiative to update Nova Scotia’s regulations to align with the federal rules

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/