OHS Liaison Officer: Complete Guide for Employers with 1-19 Workers

What is an OHS Liaison Officer?

The OHS Liaison Officer is a person designated by the employer to act as the link between workers and management on occupational health and safety matters. This role was created by Law 27 specifically for smaller organizations that don't meet the threshold for a formal joint OHS committee.

Who Must Designate a Liaison Officer?

Organizations with 1 to 19 workers in Quebec must designate an OHS Liaison Officer. This includes:

• Small businesses
• Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
• Professional practices
• Any employer with fewer than 20 workers

Note: Organizations with 20+ workers must form a joint OHS committee instead.

Who Can Be the Liaison Officer?

The liaison officer can be:

• The business owner or manager
• A supervisor
• An employee with interest in OHS
• An external consultant (in some cases)

Key Responsibilities

• Identify hazards: Recognize workplace risks including psychosocial factors
• Coordinate prevention: Help implement safety measures
• Communicate: Act as bridge between workers and management
• Document: Keep records of OHS activities
• Participate: Be involved in incident investigations
• Report: Bring worker concerns to management

Training Requirements

While Law 27 doesn't mandate specific training for liaison officers, CNESST recommends basic OHS training covering:

• Hazard identification
• Risk assessment basics
• Psychosocial risk factors
• Documentation practices

Implementation Steps

1. Choose the right person — Consider availability, interest, and worker trust
2. Formalize the designation — Document the appointment in writing
3. Communicate to workers — Everyone should know who the liaison is
4. Provide resources — Give them time and tools to fulfill the role
5. Review regularly — Ensure the arrangement is working effectively

Non-Compliance Consequences

Failing to designate a liaison officer can result in:

• CNESST inspection findings
• Corrective orders
• Administrative penalties (fines)
• Increased scrutiny during incidents