On Quebec construction sites, the health and safety coordinator — the CoSS — plays a central role in prevention. Here are the essentials for understanding this role.
Definition of a CoSS
According to the CNESST, the health and safety coordinator is one of the prevention and participation mechanisms provided for construction sites. The coordinator is a management employee under the principal contractor’s responsibility, assigned full-time to the site. In particular, the principal contractor must appoint a CoSS when at least 100 construction workers are on site simultaneously at any point during the work.
CoSS responsibilities
Contribute to the prevention program
The coordinator contributes to developing and updating the site’s prevention program.
Monitor coordination
The coordinator oversees the establishment and operation of mechanisms to coordinate the activities of employers present on the site.
Investigate and assist
The coordinator receives accident notices, investigates events that caused or could have caused an accident, and accompanies the CNESST inspector during visits.
Why this role is strategic
Le CoSS est un point de rencontre entre les équipes, les employeurs et le maître d’œuvre. Sa présence terrain et sa capacité à communiquer sont déterminantes pour ancrer la prévention dans les habitudes. Pour aller plus loin, lisez CoSS field realities et the respective roles of the CoSS, RSS and principal contractor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CoSS employed by the principal contractor?
The CoSS is a management employee under the principal contractor’s responsibility.
How does this differ from the RSS?
The RSS represents workers, while the CoSS coordinates prevention on the worksite.
Official sources
CNESST — Health and safety coordinator.
Join ACSSQ
ACSSQ brings together and represents Quebec coordinators. Become a member to access resources and the network. See also our page about the association.
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