Quebec modernizes workplace health and safety regime
(Apr. 20/12) On April 3, Quebec’s Minister of Labour Lise Thériault moved to modernize the province’s workplace health and safety regime. Under her newly tabled Bill 60:
- coverage is extended to domestic workers;
- prevention mechanisms are broadened;
- return to work is facilitated; and
- the governance of the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) is modified.
The bill largely reflects changes recommended by the CSST’s board of directors, which includes employer and labour representation. The legislation expands the requirements for prevention programs and health and safety committees in all establishments with more than 20 employees, but also allows for multi-establishment committees for larger employers. The incremental cost of these new programs for employers is still to be determined.
Employers are particularly disappointed the bill did not adopt recommended changes for the program, Pour une maternité sans danger. This program is designed to minimize workplace health risks during pregnancy but is essentially used as additional parental leave, costing employers over $200 million per year with no evidence of improved health during pregnancy. Employers had recommended that occupational health risks for pregnant employees be better defined under the program to help curb costs.
CRFA will continue to work with the government through modernization of the CSST to minimize additional costs to restaurateurs.