Office · Professional services

OHS action plan for offices CNESST-compliant

Accounting firms, agencies, startups, admin clinics: your office with fewer than 20 employees must now have an OHS action plan. Here is exactly what to do.

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Top OHS risks in an office

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Poorly adjusted workstations, wrong screen heights, bad keyboard/mouse placement — the #1 cause of occupational injury in Quebec offices.

Psychosocial risks

Mental load, overload, conflicts, psychological harassment. Bill 59 and Bill 42 make these risks mandatorily assessed.

Air quality and lighting

Insufficient ventilation, poor lighting, screen-induced visual fatigue.

Safety — falls and electrical

Poorly managed cables, unstable filing cabinets, slippery stairs. "Minor" accidents drive up CNESST costs.

Your CNESST obligations (office < 20 employees)

Draft a written OHS action plan and post it
Identify risks via documented assessment (6 categories)
Designate an OHS liaison officer and train them within a year
Have a harassment prevention policy (Bill 42)
Annual plan review and 3-year CNESST report
Maintain a risk register with corrective measures

Create your Office OHS action plan

Office-tailored questionnaire, auto-generated plan, CNESST-compliant PDF export.

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FAQ — Office OHS

Does a 5-person agency really need an OHS action plan?▾

Yes. Since October 1, 2025, ALL Quebec establishments with fewer than 20 workers must have an OHS action plan, regardless of industry. A 5-person agency is legally required to comply.

Must psychosocial risks be assessed in an office?▾

Yes — this is the key change of Bill 59. Workload, remote work, psychological harassment, conflicts — these are among the 6 mandatory categories.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?▾

Fines range from $1,000 to over $10,000. A CNESST inspector can issue a compliance order with a deadline and reinspect.