OCRC Report: Workplace Hazardous Materials Bureau – Confidential Business Information Protection Provisions on Carcinogens and Mutagens: Implications for Canadian Workers

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) communicates health and safety information on hazardous products in Canadian workplaces. As part of WHMIS, suppliers are required provide a safety data sheet with a list of ingredients found in their product. However, exemptions can be made if the ingredients are considered confidential business information (CBI). The goal of this report was to evaluate when withholding the identity or concentration of carcinogens and mutagens could potentially harm the health or well-being of workers.

The report finds that withholding CBI may put workers at higher risk. For example, workplaces may lack information needed to decide on proper safety measures, which could result in over-exposure to hazardous substances. To learn more about the potential impacts of withholding CBI, read the full report: