What is the ALSS?
The health and safety liaison officer (agent ou agente de liaison en santé et sécurité, ALSS) is the link between workers and the employer on occupational health and safety.
In workplaces with 19 workers or fewer, there is no health and safety committee or health and safety representative: the ALSS plays that role. Together with the OHS action plan, it is one of the two mandatory mechanisms since October 1, 2025.
Who designates the ALSS?
The workers themselves designate the ALSS, not the employer. The employer keeps a record of the designation and updates it whenever there is a change.
Practical tip: a respected team member who is comfortable raising concerns often makes an excellent ALSS. Also plan how to replace them if they leave.
Their day-to-day role
- Become familiar with the action plan and the organization’s health and safety rules
- Gather colleagues’ concerns and pass them on to the employer
- Take part in preparing and updating the action plan
- Submit written recommendations to the employer
- Support health and safety communication within the team: postings, safety coffee breaks, and so on
Mandatory training
The ALSS must complete the CNESST’s free online training by October 1, 2026, or within a year of being designated. The training certificate is one of the documents to show during an inspection, along with proof of designation.
The employer’s obligations toward the ALSS
- Cooperate with the ALSS and involve them in preparing the action plan
- Reply in writing to their recommendations within 30 days
- Allow them time off to carry out their duties, without loss of pay, after notifying their supervisor
- Protect them from any reprisal or discriminatory measure related to their duties
If the employer does not reply within 30 days, the ALSS can file a complaint with the CNESST.
Making the ALSS an ally
Used well, the ALSS is a valuable relay: they hear what managers do not always hear. Schedule regular check-ins with management, give them access to the action plan and make their role known to the whole team, for example on a health and safety board.