Understanding Law 27
Since 2021, Law 27 has imposed new responsibilities on all organizations, as long as they have at least one person working. This includes an employee, intern, self-employed worker, volunteer, or contractor.
In October 2025, Law 27 was strengthened.
Employers now have an explicit obligation to prevent psychosocial risks (PSR) with the same rigor as physical risks. This update marks a turning point: psychological health is officially an integral part of the employer's legal responsibilities.
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What is a psychosocial risk (PSR)?
A psychosocial risk (PSR) refers to a factor related to work organization that can harm the psychological or physical health of workers. It encompasses working conditions, relationships, management practices, or organizational requirements that, when inadequate, create stress, distress, tension, or an unhealthy work environment.
The risk factors presented below are officially recognized by the CNESST and have been an integral part of prevention mechanisms in Quebec since October 2025.
The main psychosocial risks include, in particular
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work overload, unrealistic goals or constant pressure
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lack of autonomy or micromanagement
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low recognition or perceived injustice
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unresolved conflicts, isolation or lack of support
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psychological or sexual harassment
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Poor communication, unclear roles, contradictory directives
Why worry about psychosocial risks?
Psychosocial risks have concrete, measurable and significant consequences. They simultaneously influence employee health, the quality of working relationships and the overall performance of the organization.
Beyond the obligation to comply, it is essential for a company to pay close attention to this, and here's why:
Protecting the health and well-being of employees
Addressing psychosocial risks proactively helps reduce the occurrence of psychological disorders such as distress, anxiety or depression, but also helps prevent stress-related physical problems such as musculoskeletal or cardiovascular disorders.
A healthy work environment promotes the well-being, stability, and resilience of staff.
Respect your legal responsibilities
Psychological health is fully part of the employer's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
In accordance with Article 51, every organization must ensure a safe working environment, which now includes the structured prevention of psychosocial risks.
Taking action on psychosocial risks means respecting Law 27 and avoiding non-compliance, interventions or sanctions from the CNESST.
Strengthening organizational performance
Effective management of psychosocial risks helps to reduce costly issues for the company: absenteeism, turnover, decreased engagement or presenteeism (being present without actually being able to perform).
By creating a more stable and harmonious work environment, the organization benefits from increased productivity and a significant reduction in costs associated with health, litigation, and unplanned departures.
Recognizing the warning signs
Early detection of psychosocial risks relies on the observation of individual and collective signals.
Individual signals
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Chronic fatigue, irritability
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Isolation or social withdrawal
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Decreased performance or difficulty concentrating
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Sleep disturbances, frequent crying
Collective signals
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Recurring tensions within the teams
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Increase in the rate of sick leave
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Higher than normal staff turnover
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A climate of fear, mistrust, or widespread silence
Who is affected by Law 27?
Law 27 applies to 100% of employers in Quebec .
Whether you have 1 employee, 50 or 5,000, you must now be able to prevent, assess, document and manage psychosocial risks at work.
Companies
Startups
SMEs
Large organizations
Multi-site companies
Organisations publiques et parapubliques
Municipalities
School service centers
Health networks
Government institutions
Non-profit organizations
Cooperatives
Associations
Foundations
non-profit organization
Self-employed workers who employ staff
Law 27 imposes obligations on all Quebec employers, but the extent of these obligations differs depending on the size of the company.
Your obligations depending on the size of your organization
Law 27 distinguishes two categories of organizations, each with specific obligations.
1 to 19 workers
You must implement a simplified occupational health and safety (OHS) action plan.
This plan must cover:
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risk identification, including psychosocial risks (PSR)
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preventive measures to be applied
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a liaison officer in occupational health and safety
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the documentation of your actions
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your internal OHS policies, including the prevention of psychosocial risks
This is a structured approach, but adapted to small organizations.
20 or more workers
You must implement a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) prevention program.
This program must include:
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Identification of risks, including psychosocial risks
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A joint (parity-based) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) committee (mandatory)
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A designated Health and Safety representative
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Up-to-date OHS policies
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A formal prevention program, reviewed annually
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Full integration and management of psychosocial risks within your processes
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Documented meetings, follow-ups, and records
The requirements are stricter because the organizational responsibility is broader.
Make sure you comply with Law 27: here is the checklist
Operational simplified action plan (1–19 workers) or comprehensive prevention program (20+ workers)
Psychosocial risks identified, assessed and integrated into your OHS approach
Health and Safety Committee or Psychosocial Risks Committee depending on the size of the organization (mandatory for 20+ workers)
Designated and trained OHS representative
OHS registers, meetings and documentation kept up to date
Update internal policies, including the prevention of psychosocial risks
Regular training for employees, managers and commitee members
Follow-up planning aligned with the October 2025 deadlines
This list is not a guarantee of compliance, but a helpful tool to support organizations in their prevention efforts. For an analysis tailored to your specific situation, we invite you to schedule a call with our team.