Permis PrêtConstruction site prevention program: when is it required?
The prime contractor (maître d’œuvre) must have a prevention program drawn up once a site reaches a certain size. Here is what the Act says.
Short answer: When a site’s activities will involve at least ten construction workers at the same time at some point in the work, the maître d’œuvre must, before work starts, have a prevention program drawn up jointly with the employers (LSST, s. 198).
What the LSST says
- Threshold: at least 10 construction workers at the same time, at some point in the work; the program is drawn up before work starts, jointly with the employers (s. 198).
- A copy goes to the health and safety representative and to the construction joint sector association (s. 198).
- Purpose: eliminate hazards at the source for the health, safety and physical and psychological integrity of workers; it must comply with the regulations applicable to the site (s. 199).
- Sent to the CNESST before work starts when at least 20 workers will be on site at the same time at some point (s. 200).
- The CNESST may order the program to be changed or a new one to be submitted (s. 201).
- The maître d’œuvre makes sure each employer on site commits in writing to have the program respected (s. 202).
- If the two conflict, the maître d’œuvre’s program prevails over the employer’s establishment prevention program or action plan (s. 203).
For the exam
The RBQ skills profile cites sections 58, 59, 198, 199 and 200 of the LSST. The LSST is supplied on site, so it is better to practise spotting the right threshold (10 or 20 workers) in a concrete situation than to memorise it.
To check
The text read is the LSST as current on May 6, 2026. Regulations and thresholds can change: check on LégisQuébec.
To remember
- 10 workers at the same time: site prevention program.
- 20 workers at the same time: sent to the CNESST, and a site committee.
- Purpose: eliminate hazards at the source.
- Each employer commits in writing to have it respected.
Original GSC-style questions with an explanation and a source: 10 free. Not affiliated with the RBQ.
Practise for free
Official sources
- LégisQuébec, Act respecting occupational health and safety (S-2.1, French)
- RBQ, skills profile: construction site safety management (French)
General information, current as of 2026-11-01. When in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules, thresholds and fees can change: check rbq.gouv.qc.ca and legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.