WHMIS 2015 GHS Recertification for Canadian Workplaces
Refresh your understanding of WHMIS 2015 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) before working with hazardous products. This online course is intended for workers, supervisors, and teams who need a current review of labels, safety data sheets, hazard information, and safe chemical handling. The existing Total Group listing identifies this as an online program and links to the WHMIS 2015 GHS Recertification registration page.
What WHMIS 2015 GHS recertification covers
WHMIS 2015 aligns Canadian workplace hazard communication with GHS. The system uses hazard classes, pictograms, supplier and workplace labels, and safety data sheets to communicate information about hazardous products. Employers must provide education and training for workers who use, handle, store, dispose of, supervise work involving, or may be exposed to hazardous products. [1] [2]
A refresher can help workers review how to find hazard information before using a product and how to connect that information to safe work decisions. The course topic is relevant to industrial, construction, manufacturing, maintenance, energy, and other workplaces where hazardous products are present.
Learning context for the workplace
Use WHMIS information to answer four practical questions for each hazardous product: What are the hazards? How do I protect myself? What should I do in an emergency? Where can I find the SDS or other reliable information? These questions reflect the worker outcomes described in official guidance. [2] [3]
- Read the supplier or workplace label before use and identify the product’s hazard information.
- Locate the SDS and use it with your employer’s safe work procedures.
- Follow site controls for storage, handling, disposal, spills, releases, and other emergencies.
- Stop and ask a supervisor when the product, label, SDS, process, or required control is unclear.
Online theory does not replace site- and job-specific instruction. The employer must address the products and procedures at the workplace, including storage, handling, disposal, emergencies, and possible exposure. A course completion record, if issued by the provider, should not be treated on its own as proof that a worker has demonstrated workplace competence or that every employer or jurisdiction accepts the same training record. [2] [3]
Who should choose this level
This online refresher may suit a worker who already has basic WHMIS knowledge and needs to review the system before returning to work, changing roles, or working with hazardous products. It may also support supervisors and managers who need to understand the information workers must use. Your employer should decide whether this course meets the workplace’s education and training needs.
Choose additional workplace-specific training when you will work with particular chemicals, process vessels, piping systems, fugitive emissions, spill response, emergency duties, or specialized controls. Ontario’s WHMIS guidance, for example, requires the worker education program to address labels, SDSs, safe use, storage, handling, disposal, process equipment, fugitive emissions, and emergencies under subsection 7(1) of the WHMIS Regulation. [3]
Before you enrol
Ask your employer or health and safety representative:
- Which hazardous products, labels, SDSs, and workplace procedures will I use?
- Does my workplace require a refresher, a full workplace-specific program, or both?
- Who will explain local storage, handling, spill, disposal, and emergency procedures?
- What evidence of learning or workplace evaluation does the employer require?
Confirm the current course price, access conditions, assessment details, and any completion record on the registration page before purchase. The Total Group hub currently lists this item at $18.99, but prices and provider-controlled course details can change.
Jurisdiction and employer responsibilities
WHMIS supplier requirements are federal, while workplace education and training requirements are administered through the applicable provincial, territorial, or federal occupational health and safety framework. The controlling framework depends on the worksite, employer, and type of operation. Canada’s federal guidance states that employers must provide education and training for safe storage, handling, and use, while CCOHS notes that provincial, territorial, and federal workplace requirements can vary. [1] [2]
For an Ontario workplace, the employer must ensure that a worker who is exposed or likely to be exposed to a hazardous product receives instruction and training under subsection 42(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The employer’s WHMIS program must be developed for that workplace, and worker understanding must be reviewed at least annually under the cited Ontario provisions. The course itself does not set those employer duties or establish a universal renewal period. [3]
Questions about fit for your team?
Contact Total Group before enrolling if you need help comparing an online WHMIS refresher with workplace-specific chemical training. Share your province or territory, worksite activities, hazardous products, worker roles, and the evidence your employer or client requires. Total Group can then confirm the suitable training route and any current provider details.
Frequently asked questions
Does this online course replace workplace-specific WHMIS training?
No. General WHMIS education explains the system and hazard information. Workplace-specific training covers the products, procedures, controls, and emergencies at the employer’s site. The employer remains responsible for ensuring the training fits the work. [2] [3]
Is there one Canada-wide WHMIS recertification period?
There is no single Canada-wide WHMIS refresher interval for every workplace. Refresher education may be needed when products, hazards, work conditions, or safe-use information change, and the applicable jurisdiction or employer may set additional expectations. Confirm the requirement with the employer and the authority for the worksite. [2] [3]
Who should take a WHMIS refresher?
Workers who use, handle, store, or dispose of hazardous products, workers who may be exposed during normal work or emergencies, and supervisors who oversee that work are common audiences. The employer should confirm who requires education and what local training is also needed. [2] [3]
Will completing this course prove that I can safely perform chemical work?
Online learning can support knowledge review. It does not by itself demonstrate every site-specific skill or decision required for chemical work. Follow the employer’s procedures and complete any required workplace instruction, evaluation, or practical demonstration.
References
- Employment and Social Development Canada, “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015”. Accessed November 7, 2026.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “WHMIS - Education and Training”, fact sheet last revised May 28, 2026. Accessed November 7, 2026.
- Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, “WHMIS and the employer”, including OHSA subsections 37(1), 42(1)-(4) and WHMIS Regulation sections 6-7. Accessed November 7, 2026.
