WHMIS 2025: Key Updates and How to Prepare

WHMIS in 2025: What's New?

In 2025, changes to WHMIS (the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) are coming into force. WHMIS is the standard for communicating hazards related to products used in the workplace, which helps keep workers across Canada safe and healthy.

The last time there was a major update to WHMIS was in 2015 and since 2015, the updated system (called WHMIS 2015) has been the standard across Canada. Anyone working with hazardous products—from cleaning spray or hydrochloric acid— in the workplace needs WHMIS training, so thousands upon thousands of workers across Canada were trained and educated with WHMIS 2015.

However, in 2022 new amendments to the Hazardous Products Act and Regulations were released. Going forward, there is a transition period to allow suppliers and workplaces time to adopt the new system. During this time, workplaces and suppliers can be in compliance with either the old or new version—not both. If you’re thinking about moving to follow the new amendments, everything must be updated at once.

The transition period ends December 14, 2025. After this date, all workers, employers, and suppliers must be in compliance with the update amendments.

2025 HPR Amendments: Coming into Force

So, what are these changes? You can read the full list, but the gist of it is the amendments keep our system aligned with the GHS and clarified points of confusion. Let’s take a closer look at some specifics:

WHMIS is called WHMIS again. You don’t need to worry about the headache of having to use WHMIS 2015 in any year that isn’t 2015 for much longer. The new amendments are dropping the 2015—it’s cleaner. Going forward, you’ll hear these former versions of WHMIS referred to at the former HPR and the latest updates as the amended HPR. The name is expected to stay the same even when new amendments roll out.

Changes to hazard classes and categories. The class Chemicals Under Pressure has been added to the HPA, and Flammable Aerosols is just called Aerosols (with an added category for non-flammable products). The class Pyrophoric Gases has been repealed and integrated as subcategories under Flammable Gases.

Updated requirements for when suppliers become aware of significant new data. This update outlines stricter requirements for what a supplier must do when they become aware of significant new data (or information that changes the understanding of the risks) related to their products. While in the transition grace period to their new SDS/labels, suppliers are now required to prepare written documentation that outlines specific changes to the SDS or label as soon as they’re aware of the new information.

Other general updates to classification and documentation. Several amendments have been made to update sections for clarity and accuracy in hazard communication. Again, you can find the full list of amendments here, as provided by Health Canada.

But what does this mean?

Depending on the work you do, some of these amendments will be more relevant to you than others. However, all workers, employers, and suppliers must be educated on these changes when working with hazardous products.

For Employers

As an employer, you have several responsibilities related to WHMIS. You must educate and train workers on how to work safely with hazardous materials and provide them with the tools and equipment to do so. The requirements for WHMIS training are set by each province or territory, so it’s important to check what’s required where you live. This could look like providing general education during on-boarding, showing workers the sites of chemical spill clean-up kits and eye wash stations, and demonstrating how to store products safely, among other things. You should also consult with your workplace’s health and safety committee or representative.

It’s vital to make sure you’re doing everything to comply with the HPR and HPA. The penalties for non-compliance with WHMIS legislation are severe:

Frist offences may result in a fine of up to $250,000 and/or 6 months in prison

For second offences, the penalties may be a fine of up to $500,000 and/or 18 months in prison

Indictable offences may come with even more severe consequences, including up to $5,000,000 in fines and/or 2 years in prison

Enough to make you sweat? WHMIS shouldn’t be scary—really, it’s about clear and consistent communication. If there are lapses in hazard communication, it’s up to you to address the cause of the breakdown.

For Workers

For workers, it’s up to you to attend WHMIS training and follow the instructions you’ve received, which include wearing your PPE as required. Even after the amended HPR come into force, it’s important to remember WHMIS is ongoing. Taking a course once isn’t enough. Along with general education, you must receive job-specific training related to the products you work with, and training must also happen whenever there are changes to the materials or new conditions in a workplace. Refresher training should also happen on a regular basis to fight the forgetting curve.

As you can see, it’s important to be educated on the WHMIS amendments, whether you’ve used WHMIS for years or you’re taking it for the first time. In either case, if you find yourself needing a refresher, consider the WHMIS 2025 course from BIS.

Overall, the transition to the latest WHMIS updates won’t be as dramatic as the changes were in 2015. This time, most fundamental aspects, like the pictograms, labelling requirements, and information on the SDSs remain the same.

However, some products may be reclassified or moved to a new category, and it’s your responsibility to make sure products have the correct labels and SDSs.

With just under a year until the deadline to move to the amended HPR, it’s a good time to begin looking at the current WHMIS program in your workplace, no matter your role. How comfortable are you with your WHMIS knowledge? What other changes could help make WHMIS more effective in your workplace? Answering these questions can help you identify the next steps to take.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how you can learn more, check out our new WHMIS course! This course reflects the amended HPR. Throughout the course there are self-assessment questions, review activities, and a final exam. Upon passing the final exam, users earn a certificate of completion.

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