September 2024 issue: Workplace Hazardous Products Program newsletter

On this page

• Summary of UN GHS Sub-Committee of Experts 46th session
• Fall 2024 multi-stakeholder workshop: Registration now open
• Future newsletter content
• Important WHMIS websites

Summary of UN GHS Sub-Committee of Experts 46th session

The 46th session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS, collectively UNSCEGHS) took place in Geneva on July 3-5, 2024.
Overall, the recommendations that were put forward by the UNSCEGHS align with Canada's positions and interests, as follows:

• The UNSCEGHS adopted the non-animal test methods amendments for the classification of mixtures as skin sensitizers and related guidance, completing the recent work on GHS Chapter 3.4.
• The UNSCEGHS took note of the information and concerns raised by the International Council of Chemicals Associations (ICCA), including the pace of GHS publication and insufficient guidance for emerging and implementing countries, regulators, and industry on GHS implementation. The representative of the United Nations Institute of Training and Research volunteered to engage in discussions with the ICCA on possible collaboration to develop new training materials and guidance, based on the results of the work.

Various additional updates included:

• Ms. Janet Carter (Head of Delegation for the United States of America) was elected as vice-chairperson of the UNSCEGHS for the remainder of the term, which will conclude in December 2024.
• The UNSCEGHS expressed its appreciation for Ms. Lynn Berndt-Weis's positive spirit, dedication and contributions as vice-chairperson and as a member of the Canadian delegation and wished her success in her future endeavours.
• A written status update was provided by Canada and the United States as co-chairs of the informal correspondence group on the possible development of a global list of chemicals classified in accordance with the GHS.

Further details can be found in the Report of the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals on its forty-sixth session.

Fall 2024 multi-stakeholder workshop: Registration now open

The 2024 Workplace Hazardous Products Program (WHPP) multi-stakeholder workshop will take place virtually on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 12:30-3:30pm, EST.

Please register by November 1 using the following link if you wish to attend:

This workshop is an excellent opportunity to engage with the full WHMIS community and we encourage industry, labour, other levels of government, and any other interested group to attend.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Amended Hazardous Products Regulations
• Overview of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• Consumer product labelling initiatives

The agenda will be shared with all registrants prior to the workshop. Email us at whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca if you have any questions.

Future newsletter content

Is there a topic that you would like us to include in a future newsletter? We would love to hear from you. Email us at whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Important WHMIS websites

• WHMIS.org – Canada’s national WHMIS portal
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)