The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) was initiated as a tripartite project in 1982, and a final report was submitted to government during 1985. The report recommends an approach to the communication of hazardous properties of materials used in the Canadian workplace that is broadly similar to the OSHA Hazard Communication standard, although there are some notable differences.

At the time of publication, the report had not resulted in any new regulatory initiative.