Abstract

Although many collective agreements in Québec contain clauses concerning occupational health and safety, the characteristics of these clauses and their contribution to preventive practices remain relatively unknown.

Following a literature review, a list of the principal occupational health and safety clauses likely to be included in collective agreements was drafted. Using this list, an analytical framework was established for the analysis of 491 collective agreements in the mining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors.

The collective agreements studied dealt with few occupational health and safety issues, although 90% of agreements contained at least one such clause. Clauses concerning occupational health and safety were more common in agreements negotiated by large bargaining units, unions affiliated with the CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux, Confederation of National Trade Unions), and in sectors with a high prevalence of serious occupational injury.

Further studies of the application and effect of these clauses is suggested. Workplace training was provided. The analytical techniques developed here were used in a much larger study of all the collective agreements in Québec. This latter project was sponsored by the CSST (Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec, Québec Occupational Health and Safety Commission).