The IRSST bridges the gap between the public sector health and safety network in Québec and the research community.

IRSST partners in the occupational health and safety network

• the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), which establishes preventive action plans, develops and applies measures to foster medical intervention for workers and their prompt return to the workplace.
• the joint sector-based associations, which provide training, information, research and technical assistance services.
• regional health and social services boards, and local community service centres, which oversee the application and evaluation of company-specific health programs.  
• Trade union and employer associations that devote efforts to OHS.  

IRSST partners in the research community

• the IRSST’s external network, comprising over 100 researchers and experts in a wide range of disciplines in universities, research centres, and the private sector.
• public-sector, university, and private research centres active in related activities.
• funding agencies with which the IRSST has negotiated agreements.
• the principal occupational health and safety research centres around the world.
• many national and international committees, primarily those active in standardization activities.

Through alliances with external scientists, occupational experts, and intermediaries equipped to adapt and transfer research results, the IRSST:

• enhances its scientific process;
• ensures that it meets the needs of the workplace community, and
• maximizes the spin-offs of its activities.