Law 27: What Quebec Employers Need to Know Before October 2025

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A major reform for occupational health and safety

Adopted in 2021, Law 27 (the Act to modernize the occupational health and safety regime) is reshaping how Quebec employers manage workplace risk prevention.

Its goal? Better protect workers — including those previously excluded — and increase employer accountability.

By October 2025, all companies must comply with the new requirements. And while that may seem far off, implementing the changes often takes several months of preparation.

Key new obligations for employers

1. Developing a prevention program

Every organization must now create a formal prevention program that :

Identifies workplace risks, including psychosocial risks (stress, overload, isolation, etc.);
Describes specific prevention measures;
Includes an action plan and follow-up mechanisms.

Manager and employees discussing the prevention program required by Bill 27 on occupational health and safety.

2. Creating or updating the Health and Safety Committee (HSC)

For organizations with 20 or more employees, the HSC is now mandatory.

This committee ensures employee participation in identifying and correcting risks.

Health and Safety Committee meeting to ensure compliance with Bill 27 workplace regulations.

3. Integrating psychosocial risks (PSRs)

A major innovation in Law 27 is the inclusion of psychological health in workplace prevention.

Employers must now evaluate risk factors such as :

Chronic stress
Lack of recognition
Interpersonal conflicts
Isolation due to remote work

These must be included in the prevention program just like physical or ergonomic risks.

Key dates and deadlines for Law 27

Stage	Description	Deadline
Gradual implementation	Rollout by sector of activity	2022–2025
Mandatory prevention program	All covered companies must have one documented	October 2025
Health and Safety Committee	Required once the employee threshold is reached	Based on size and risk
Integration of PSRs	Must be part of prevention and action plans	By October 2025

👉 In short: October 2025 marks the end of the grace period. Employers must be able to demonstrate compliance to the CNESST.

What it means for SMEs

For many small and medium-sized businesses, Law 27 means :

More structure in occupational health and safety management;
More documentation (plans, reports, committees);
A more proactive approach to mental well-being.

But it’s also an opportunity to build a lasting prevention culture that boosts engagement and reduces absenteeism.

Remote worker in a calm environment representing mental health and psychosocial risk prevention under Bill 27.

How Propulsion simplifies daily prevention

Implementing a prevention program shouldn’t be an administrative burden.

That’s why Propulsion helps organizations take action easily :

Wellness challenges: simple, accessible activities promoting healthy habits;
Health quizzes: assess and raise awareness about OHS and psychosocial risks;
Engagement tracking: measure participation and demonstrate prevention efforts to the CNESST.

With Propulsion, prevention becomes practical, measurable, and engaging — even in hybrid work environments.

Conclusion

Law 27 redefines Quebec’s occupational health and safety standards.

Companies that act now will gain a strategic advantage — not only for compliance but for building healthier, more engaged workplaces.

👉 Need help making prevention come alive?

Discover how Propulsion can integrate into your OHS strategy.