Deadline looming for Saskatchewan employers to draft violence policies

A hand writes the word “Violence” on a chalkboard.

On May 17, 2024, amendments to the occupational health and safety provisions of The Saskatchewan Employment Act will come into force requiring all provincially regulated workplaces to have a violence policy and prevention plan in place.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe when they come to work,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don McMorris said. “Having a violence policy and investigating all incidents is a step toward protecting workers from acts of violence.”

The amendment also ensures that students and post-secondary students, volunteers and contract workers are covered under the provisions regarding violence.

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; and
• a commitment to provide a training program for workers.