New legislation also expands on the definition of 'workers'
The Saskatchewan government is introducing a new legislation that will require all workplaces across the province to develop a violence prevention policy.
"We are making amendments that will require all workplaces to have a violence policy in place that will also apply to students, volunteers, and contract workers," read the government's official fact sheet.
This seeks to change the current rule where only “prescribed” workplaces are required to have a policy and prevention plan. In addition, the new legislation wants all employers to investigate every incident of violence in their organization.
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The proposed rules were outlined under the new Saskatchewan Employment (Part III) Amendment Act, 2022, which the government said aims to meet the needs of the changing workplace.
"The legislation that governs employers and employees needs to meet the changing workplace if we are to ensure we are creating an environment that is fair and balanced, improves health and safety in workplaces, and sets a path forward for economic growth," read the fact sheet.
In addition to mandating a violence policy, the amendment also expands the definition of workers to include “secondary and post-secondary students”.
"This amendment will ensure that students who are permitted to work or who are being trained by an employer are covered by the provision in Part III of the Act," said the government.
Other changes
In addition to these measures, the government said the amendments will also make the following changes:
- Clarify the authority of occupational health officers to take photos and recordings during workplace inspections to ensure transparency
- Authorize officers to exclude nominees from investigation interviews so the process is not influenced by third parties and workers are not led to believe that they are represented by a nominee who does not have the workers' best interest in mind
- Housekeeping and general amendments necessary to keep the legislation relevant and aligned with other legislative requirements
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"The amendments introduced today are another step forward in helping protect the health and safety of workers," said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan.
The changes followed a review of the occupational health and safety provisions of The Saskatchewan Employment Act with stakeholders.
"It is important to regularly review our legislation and to hear directly from stakeholders on the impact of the legislation," said Morgan.
