Ontario WHMIS Workplace Safety Signs — Employer Requirements 2026

If your Ontario workplace uses, stores, or handles hazardous products, you need WHMIS signage. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is federal law — and Ontario's OHSA regulations enforce it provincially.

Getting WHMIS wrong isn't just a fine — it's a safety hazard. This guide covers exactly what signs, labels, and markings your workplace needs in 2026.

What Is WHMIS 2015 (GHS)?

Canada adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in 2015, replacing the old WHMIS symbols with standardized pictograms. As of 2026, all workplaces must use GHS-compliant labels and signage.

The 9 GHS pictograms you need to know:

1. 🔥 Flame — Flammable materials
2. ⚠️ Exclamation Mark — Irritant, skin sensitizer, acute toxicity
3. 💀 Skull and Crossbones — Acute toxicity (fatal/toxic)
4. 🫁 Health Hazard — Carcinogen, respiratory sensitizer
5. 🌊 Environment — Aquatic toxicity
6. ⭕ Flame Over Circle — Oxidizers
7. 💥 Exploding Bomb — Explosives
8. 🧪 Corrosion — Corrosive materials
9. 🔴 Gas Cylinder — Compressed gases

What Signs Must Be Displayed?

Ontario employers must display:

• WHMIS awareness poster — in every area where hazardous products are used or stored
• GHS pictogram signs — on storage areas, cabinets, and rooms containing hazardous products
• SDS location signs — indicating where Safety Data Sheets are kept (must be accessible to all workers)
• Emergency information signs — showing emergency contacts, eyewash/shower locations, spill kit locations

Workplace Label Requirements

Every hazardous product in your workplace needs two types of labels:

Label Type	When Required	Must Include
Supplier Label	All products as received	Product ID, pictograms, signal word, hazard/precautionary statements, supplier info
Workplace Label	Decanted/transferred products	Product name, safe handling info, SDS reference

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act penalties for WHMIS violations:

• Individual: Up to $100,000 fine and/or 12 months imprisonment
• Corporation: Up to $1,500,000 fine
• MOL orders: Stop-work orders until compliance is achieved

Industries That Need WHMIS Signage

• Manufacturing and warehousing (see warehouse safety guide)
• Construction sites (construction safety signs)
• Auto shops and garages
• Cleaning companies
• Restaurants and food service (food safety signs)
• Healthcare facilities
• Agriculture and landscaping

Where to Get WHMIS-Compliant Signs

Your WHMIS signs must be:

• Durable (not handwritten or printouts that fade)
• Correct GHS pictograms (not old WHMIS symbols)
• Bilingual where required (English and French in federal workplaces)
• Sized for visibility (readable from normal working distance)

Browse our safety signs collection for WHMIS-compliant options, or request a custom safety signage package.

FAQ

Is WHMIS training mandatory in Ontario?

Yes. All workers near hazardous products must receive WHMIS training before starting work. Training must be updated when new products are introduced.

What's the difference between old WHMIS and WHMIS 2015?

WHMIS 2015 replaced old Canadian symbols with GHS pictograms. Old circular symbols are no longer valid — use the new diamond-shaped GHS pictograms.

Where must Safety Data Sheets be kept?

SDSs must be readily available to all workers. They can be in a binder at the work area or on a computer with printer access. A sign must indicate the SDS location.