An Act respecting occupational health and safety (AOHS)

The laws in the Act deal first and foremost with the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases. It charges the employer with the responsibility to keep a safe and well-maintained workplace. And to use all reasonable precautions to protect the worker from illness or injury.

Passed in 1979, the Act established the creation of the CSST, now named CNESST, and entrusted this organization with its various mandates.

The Act contains the powerful Right of Refusal. “A worker has a right to refuse to perform particular work if he has reasonable grounds to believe that the performance of that work would expose him to danger to his health, safety or physical well-being, or would expose another person to a similar danger.” (Article 12)

Excerpts from the Employer’s rights and obligations, chapter three section II

• Every employer is entitled, in particular, in accordance with this Act and the regulations, to training, information and counselling services in matters of occupational health and safety. (Article 50)

• Every employer must take the necessary measures to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical well-being of his worker. He must, in particular: (Article 51)

Excerpts from the Employees rights and obligations, chapter three section I

• Every worker has a right to working conditions that have proper regard for his health, safety and physical well-being (Article 9)

• A worker must take the necessary measures to ensure his health, safety or physical well-being. (Article 49.2)

 To view the complete law visit the official page at: An Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety

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