Implementation of Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Training in Teacher Education: Keeping Our Teachers and Students Safe

Abstract

Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) training is a requirement and a right for practicing teachers in Canada, as it is part of federal legislation. WHMIS training can assist teachers with identifying hazardous material and achieving increased awareness of the dangers, potential hazards, and safety and protective measures, thus improving both teacher and student safety, and is of the utmost importance for science teachers. This article examines the implementation of different forms of WHMIS training within a pre-service teacher education program in Ontario, Canada, through the use of an action research design. Because pre-service teachers are "students" and not "workers," and therefore not specifically covered in the legislation, there seems to be no clear direction concerning training for them. This research suggests that there is value in WHMIS training for pre-service teachers, and that universities should heed this.