Most of us take it for granted that when we go to work, we will be in a safe environment both for ourselves and for the environment. The reality is that without considerable effort and governance, this would be far from true. The Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is a comprehensive source for the safe and secure handling of hazardous materials. WHMIS training is an integral part of the way the business world maintains a safe and secure environment for us all.
One area the training covers is air quality; from descriptions of the types of pollutants and their effects to the policies and regulations in place to prevent it. We all take for granted the notion that we have to be aware of and take precautions to maintain healthy atmospheric air. Civilization has been waging a war with the environment over air pollution since industry began. As early as 1272 the recorded annoyances of air pollution set out a decree by King Edward I for the people to stop burning coal to heat their homes and factories on penalty of death. Because the alternative, wood, was far too expensive, even when the first violator as put to death it did not deter the practice.
Another important area of training is climate change and health. The debate over whether or not the variances in current weather phenomenon are man made or natural are engaged head on as Canada enters the arena ready to participate in the research to inform citizens and find mitigating strategies in an effort to render assistance in the movement to reduce or eliminate any negative impact business has on the process.
Knowledgeable employees are made aware of hazards on sites which have been contaminated by past practices with poor environmental protection. These sites are the result not just of commercial and military activity, but also residential activity which has led to substances concentrating at a level greater than normal to the detriment of us all. This training provides the knowledge of what contaminants exist, how they were concentrated and what employees and the public can do relative to ameliorating the condition or its impact on health.
The individual will also receive training on the execution of environmental assessments. The purpose is to make the individual aware of the role health Canada takes in ensuring new and proposed construction projects have been carefully reviewed. The focus is on the impact it will have on the environment and subsequently the health of animals and people who may be affected.
With the emphasis on outdoor environmental consideration around the world, the quality of the conditions inside where we spend much, if not most of our times is often neglected. The quality of the air we breathe inside is also a subject WHMIS covers, as it can have definite affects on our health. This portion of the training highlights common problems and steps one can take to reduce or prevent exposure.
Another common but largely ignored health consideration is the impact of excessive noise on our hearing and well being. As our populating grows and our civilization condenses, the sounds of everyday living can increase to hurtful levels. Automobiles, mass transit, aircraft, lawnmowers and the like are certainly prevalent and usually tolerated noises. Unfortunately, there comes a time when the noises compound and beginning to affect us through sleep deprivation, irritation and even hearing loss or damage.
How we as a society choose to impact the environment ultimately depends on how much energy we put into understating the footprint our means of living leaves behind. Understanding is the key to rational behavior, and an educated workforce is usually a considerate and responsible one. Certainly WHMIS training goes a long way in ensuring our workforce has the knowledge necessary to do the right thing.
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