As part of Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada today tabled new legislation intended to improve the level of protection for workers handling hazardous materials in the workplace.
The proposed legislative changes to the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) are an important step in Canada's implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals, a system currently being implemented by the United States and other countries.
Chemicals used in Canadian workplaces are produced and sold around the world. Other countries often have differences in the classification, labelling and provision of safety information for these products. The purpose of the GHS for workplace chemicals is to promote both workplace safety and international trade by applying classification of work place chemicals and safety information requirements that are globally accepted.
Please visit the Health Canada website for more information on the proposed legislative changes.
-The European Union, Australia, Japan, China and South Korea are among the other jurisdictions that have either adopted, or are in the process of adopting, the GHS.
-Implementing the GHS in alignment with the U.S. will strengthen protection for workers through enhanced and more consistent hazard information.
-This measure will provide a net benefit for Canadians of nearly $400 million in increased productivity and decreased health and safety costs.
"These proposed changes to the Hazardous Products Act would provide additional protection to Canadians who use hazardous materials in the workplace. This initiative also delivers on an important Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council commitment. By aligning our classification and labelling requirements for hazardous workplace chemicals, we are reducing trade barriers between our countries, while enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian suppliers of workplace chemicals." Rona Ambrose Minister of Health
Exposure to hazardous chemicals is a serious risk that many workers face every day. Moving forward on the implementation of the GHS, not only in Canada but internationally, would mean that more effective and consistent hazard information is provided to all workers, making it safer for them to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive." Dave Saucier