Janice Martell, who watched her father struggle through Parkinson's Disease and later, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), knows just how harmful exposure to toxic chemicals at work can be.
Both of her father’s diseases have been linked to McIntyre Powder, which he was intentionally exposed to when he worked in an Ontario mine in 1979. For over 30 years in Ontario, all miners were required to breathe in the respirable aluminum dust to “protect” themselves against silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, before each shift. The practice was mandatory, given without medical supervision, and in the absence of the prior informed consent of the miners.
While this would not happen now, plenty of scary chemical exposures do happen at work. Martell believes employers should eliminate toxic workplace exposures at the first sign of detriment to worker health. It can save money, but it can also save lives. “Having watched my dad struggle to speak, swallow, walk, breathe, sleep – to quiet his body from the constant involuntary movements – there is no cost justification that can outweigh the price that he paid."
While it’s not always possible to eliminate workplace toxins, it is the employer’s responsibility to take all reasonable precautions for the safety of a worker. That’s where WHMIS comes in.
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) became law in Canada 10 years after Martell’s father’s exposure to McIntyre Powder, and since its inception, countless lives have been protected. Ensure your teen is aware of the dangers of workplace toxins, is provided with WHIMIS training and applies that knowledge on the job.
1. Hazard identification and product classification
All employees in Ontario have the right to know about workplace hazards. Any chemicals they may be exposed to at work are considered hazards. Your teen has the right to know if a chemical is hazardous, what makes it hazardous, and how to protect themselves from the chemical. For example: Is it flammable? Is it a health hazard? Is it unstable (causing shocks, etc.)? Knowing the risks is the first step to staying safe from harm.
2. Labeling
When your teen encounters a hazardous chemical at work, labels should make it obvious to them. Products used in the workplace that are classified as hazardous are legally required to be clearly labelled with either a supplier or workplace label. Your teen should see signal words, either “Danger” or “Warning”, risk phrases, pictograms, and a reference to the Safety Data Sheet (or SDS) on the label. Examples of risk phrases include “May cause cancer” or “Fatal if ingested.” Pictograms may indicate characteristics of the substance, such as poisonous, corrosive or flammable. Your teen should also read the precautionary statements about storage, handling, first aid, personal protective equipment and emergency measures.. Instructions for safely handling chemicals should be taken seriously.
3. Safety data sheets (SDSs)
Every product classified as hazardous that is intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada must have a SDS. This is where more detailed hazard information about the product can be found.. Your teen should be given the time to read over data sheets so they can learn what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what can occur if the recommendations are not followed, how to recognize symptoms of exposure, and what to do in the event of an emergency. It is also important that your teen knows where to find SDSs in the workplace, and they review them for the chemicals they use regularly.
4. Worker education and training
WHMIS education aims to teach workers about the dangers of the products they handle, providing both theoretical chemical-specific knowledge and practical, hands-on training. This helps workers stay informed about the potential hazards of the products they work with and prevent incidents and injuries.
WHMIS training also provides workers with practical knowledge and skills. Your teen should leave their WHMIS training prepared to properly handle, store, use, and dispose of hazardous materials. Ask your teen about their WHMIS training:
5. Apply the precautionary principle
WHMIS training is an essential component of worker safety. But it’s important to remember that tens of thousands of Ontario workers still get sick each year from exposure to toxins on the job. Many others experience delayed, long-term effects of exposure — occupational exposures are responsible for anywhere from two to 10 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. It’s so important that your teen applies their WHMIS training, but you can also remind them that if they are ever in doubt about whether something is safe, they can apply the precautionary principle. That means that if they are not sure if something is safe, they should assume that it isn’t and get clarification from a supervisor or manager before they start working with it.