WHMIS-The Right to Know in Canada: Are Family Physicians Prepared?

The family physician is in a unique position to provide information on health hazards and to answer questions about the causes of a person's illness, yet family physicians may not be prepared for the massive flow of new information being released to the public about workplace hazards. The Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) is designed to give Canadians information and training on workplace hazards. It requires that 1) all chemicals be labelled as to the nature of their hazards; 2) Material Safety Data Sheets be made available, which include health effects as well as control information; and 3) all workers be trained on the nature of the chemicals and their safe use. This report suggests sources of help for family physicians.