Is WHMIS training required in Ontario?
Yes. Under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario Regulation 860 (WHMIS), employers must provide every worker with training on hazardous products: labels, Safety Data Sheets, pictograms, and protective measures.
One important clarification: the law places the duty to train on the employer — it does not mandate an approved provider. No government accreditation is required to deliver WHMIS awareness training; what counts is that the worker understands the hazards and knows how to stay safe.
What the training covers
Complete WHMIS awareness training covers at least the following:
- Supplier labels and workplace labels
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): how to find and read them
- WHMIS 2015 pictograms and hazard classes
- Worker rights: the right to know, the right to participate, the right to refuse unsafe work
- Protective measures, first aid, and emergency procedures
Note: general awareness training does not replace workplace- specific instruction, which the employer must provide on site for the exact products used there.
Who is covered
Every Ontario worker who is exposed — or could be exposed — to hazardous products as part of their job.
- Workers who handle, store, or transport hazardous products
- Workers who could be exposed during a leak, spill, or emergency
- Supervisors and joint health and safety committee members
Duration, pricing, validity
Messee's WHMIS awareness training is completed online, at your own pace, in French or English. Pricing depends on the number of participants (annual licences for businesses): see our pricing or request a free quote — we reply within 24 business hours. Every certificate issued carries a unique publicly verifiable code, which simplifies your compliance records.
Good to know: the regulation sets no expiry date for the certificate. Renew training periodically and whenever a new product is introduced or a process changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is online WHMIS training valid in Ontario?
Yes for general awareness. The regulation also requires the employer to complete this training with workplace-specific instruction: the exact products used on site, their hazards, and the site's emergency procedures.
What is the difference between WHMIS and WHMIS 2015?
WHMIS 2015 is the version aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS): new hazard classes, standardized pictograms, and 16-section Safety Data Sheets. It is the version currently in force.
Does the WHMIS certificate expire?
The regulation sets no specific renewal frequency. It is nevertheless wise to renew training periodically, and whenever a new product is introduced or a process changes.
Is government accreditation required to provide WHMIS training?
No. The law does not impose an approved provider for general awareness: the duty lies with the employer, who must ensure every worker understands the hazards of the products they handle.
Do new hires need training before their first day?
Yes: a worker must be trained on hazardous products before starting to use them, and each time they are assigned to a different job or product.
Is the training available in French and English?
Yes. Messee training is offered in French and English, and every certificate carries a unique publicly verifiable code.
Train your team on WHMIS
Online awareness training, verifiable certificates, available in French and English.
Notice: this page and Messee training are general awareness resources; they are not legal advice. Compliance with the OHSA and Regulation 860 remains the employer's responsibility, and the employer must supplement this training with workplace-specific instruction. When in doubt, consult a legal professional or Ontario's official website.