Workers 14 years of age or over

A person can start working in Quebec when they are 14 years old.

They are workers who have rights and obligations (in French only) with respect to work. They are also covered in the event of a work accident or occupational disease.

Therefore, their employer has the same rights and obligations (in French only) toward them as toward all workers.

For example, employers must:

• provide appropriate instruction, supervision and training
• provide the necessary personal protective equipment

Conditions that apply depending on age

The employer must, with the involvement of the health and safety committee, identify and analyze risks that may particularly affect the health and safety of young people aged 16 or under. 

The health and safety representative and the liaison officer must make recommendations to the health and safety committee or to the employer concerning :

• risks that could particularly affect the health and safety of young people aged 16 or under 
• tasks that could affect their physical and psychological development.

An employer is prohibited from requiring a person under 18 years of age to:

• perform work that exceeds their abilities
• that might:
  • compromise their education
  • adversely affect their health or physical or moral development