Workplace violence the focus of Sask Employment Act changes

As of May 17, 2024, amendments that have been made to the occupational health and safety provisions of The Saskatchewan Employment Act will come into effect. 

These changes require that all provincially regulated workplaces put in place a violence policy and prevention plan.

Students and post-secondary students, volunteers and contract workers are also included in the provisions regarding violence.

As per the amendments, the policy statement and violence prevention plan must include:

• the employer's commitment to minimize or eliminate risk and review the policy and plan every three years
• identification of the worksite(s) where violent situations have occurred or may occur
• identification of staff positions that have or could be exposed to violent situations
• the procedures to inform workers about the nature and risk of violence at their place of employment, and any information the employer has about persons who have a history of violent behaviour who could become a risk to the workers
• the actions an employer will take to minimize or eliminate the risk of violence
• the procedures for reporting a violent incident to the employer
• the procedures the employer will follow to investigate violent incidents
• a recommendation that workers who have been exposed to violent incidents consult a physician for treatment or obtain a referral for counselling
• a commitment to provide a training program for workers.

Guidelines and sample violence policies can be found on saskatchewan.ca.