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ALL SASKATCHEWAN WORKPLACES REQUIRE A VIOLENCE PREVENTION PLAN BY MAY 17TH, 2024

SOURCE: SASKATCHEWAN.CA


Preventing violence in the workplace
 

The Saskatchewan Employment Act (the Act) contains protections for workers against violence in the workplace. Section 3-21 of the Act outlines the employer's responsibility for developing and implementing written policy statement and prevention plan (PSPP). Currently, high-risk sector workplaces are required to develop and implement the PSPP. An amendment to the Act will require all workplaces have a PSPP in place by May 17, 2024.

What is workplace violence?

Violence is the attempted, threatened or actual conduct of a person that causes or is likely to cause an injury. This includes any threatening statement or behaviour that gives a worker reasonable cause to believe the worker is at the risk of an injury.

Which employers are required to have a policy statement on violence and prevention plan?

As of May 17, 2024, The Saskatchewan Employment Act will require that all workplaces in Saskatchewan implement a policy statement and prevention plan (PSPP) to eliminate workplace violence. Until the provisions come into force, only prescribed workplaces in high risk industries are required to continue having a PSPP.

Who must prevent workplace violence?

The Act requires employers and supervisors to protect workers from workplace violence and all workers (including students, independent and dependent contractors and volunteers) must refrain from participating in or carrying out acts of violence. These workplace parties must work together to create a safety culture and practices that eliminate workplace violence.

Who is protected from violence in the workplace?

Under The Saskatchewan Employment Act and The Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (the Regulations), all provincially regulated workers are protected against workplace violence. For the purposes of violence prevention in the workplace, workers are defined in the Act and include: all employees, supervisors, and students, independent and dependent contractors or volunteers that are permitted by an employer to perform work or who are trained by an employer.

Is a policy statement and prevention plan necessary for a workplace that is not in a prescribed high-risk industry?

The Act requires that a policy statement and prevention plan for all employers, be in place by May 17, 2024, even if the business or operation is not in a prescribed high-risk industry.

Will violence prevention obligations differ for high-risk workplaces compared to those that have less identifiable risks of violence?

No. All workplaces are equally obliged to abide by the laws that prevent workplace violence.

Occupational health and safety provisions pertaining to the prevention of workplace violence will apply to all workplaces regardless of the risk level.

Late night retail premises may have additional requirements to meet under the Act. Workplaces where the incidence of violence is known to be high-risk may need to include extra mitigation measures in their PSPP to reduce or eliminate specific risks. Employers must exercise due diligence and determine what is appropriate in their workplaces.

Employers are in a prescribed high-risk sector if they are operating in any of the following industries:

  • services provided by health care facilities;
  • pharmaceutical-dispensing services;
  • education services;
  • police services;
  • corrections services;
  • other law enforcement services;
  • security services;
  • crisis counseling and intervention services;
  • late night retail premises as defined in the regulations;
  • financial services;
  • the sale of alcoholic beverages or the provision of premises for the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
  • taxi services; and
  • transit services.

All PSPPs need to be tailored to the risks identified for a particular workplace. Mitigation and preventive measures, engineering controls and practices in the PSPP must respond appropriately to reduce or eliminate the risks identified for that workplace.

What needs to be included in a policy statement on violence and prevention plan?

The policy statement on violence and prevention plan must include:

  • the employer's commitment to minimize and eliminate risk and review and update the 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 and eliminate the risk of violence including:
    • providing personal protective equipment;
    • establishing administrative arrangements; and
    • engineering controls (e.g., surveillance cameras).
  • 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 counseling; and
  • a commitment to provide a training program for workers that includes information about:
    • how to recognize potentially violent situations,
    • procedures, work practices, administrative arrangements and engineering controls that have been developed for their protection;
    • how to respond to violent incidents and obtain assistance;
    • procedures for reporting violent incidents.

When preparing a violence policy statement and prevention plan, employers are required to consult and co‑operate with the occupational health committee, occupational health and safety representative, or where there is no committee or representative, the workers.

The violence policy statement and prevention plan must be in writing and readily available to all employees. Readily available means that the employer must be able to produce the information at the time it is requested by a worker or an occupational health and safety officer. Records can be stored electronically as long as employees can access a computer when they need the information.

Refer to section 3-26 and 3-27 of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 to learn more about the regulatory requirements for a violence policy statement and prevention plan.


Employers guide and checklist


Violence Prevention: An employers guide for developing a policy statement and prevention plan

REED SECURITY ESTABLISHES COMMUNITY CAMERAS GRANT PROGRAM


Need better security, but can't afford it?

Reed Security is dedicated to fostering a safer environment for every community, especially those most in need. 

The Community Cameras Grant Program is our pledge to support charities, non-profits and under-served communities by gifting preloved security cameras.

Our grant program is straightforward: if you have a need for security cameras, you may be eligible for a grant. This can cover a significant portion of the costs, including installation up to $5,000.


Eligibility

Charities and Non-Profits

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  • Community Centers such as hockey rinks, museums and libraries 
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Visit www.communitycameras.org to submit your application.


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CONTROL WHO GOES WHERE AND WHEN - WITH KANTECH ACCESS CONTROL


Culture of learning

The team @ Reed Security recently spent the day with Jason Guthrie, Regional Sales Manager at Kantech, and Tony Ursan from Titan Products Group.

Reed Security is a Kantech Global certified dealer and protects over 1,000 doors with access control. This is the highest level of certification and is only available to elite dealers.

Our dedication to ongoing learning ensures Reed clients receive the latest crime fighting and building management technology.



Access control

Gain more control over your property by restricting the access of employees, occupants and visitors.

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Want to know more?


Reach out to us today at 306.653.3200 or visit our website at www.reedsecurity.com to learn how Reed Security's Access Control System can help run your business security.



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REED SECURITY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN PRINCE ALBERT, SK


As we step into 2024, it's a perfect time to look back at the remarkable journey of Myron Jacobsen, Thor Security Ltd., Reed Security Authorized Dealer, Prince Albert, SK.


Ten years ago Myron and his business partner approached Virgil Reed about a partnership to bring Reed Security's cutting-edge security solutions to Prince Albert. After some careful planning we established the Reed Security Authorized Dealer Program and Thor Security Ltd. became our first dealer.  


Thor Security Ltd., Reed Security Authorized Dealer, has evolved from a small startup into a cornerstone of safety in the Prince Albert community.


Over the past decade the company has served over 1,000 customers including homes, cottages, farms, schools, non-profits and hundreds of businesses. The City of Prince Albert trusts Reed Security to protect their people and assets with smart alarms, 24/7 monitoring, access control and video surveillance.


Myron Jacobsen, the heart and soul of this operation, has always emphasized the importance of understanding and meeting the personalized security needs of each client. "Our mission has always been to provide not just security, but peace of mind," Jacobsen explains. "We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering a promise of safety and reliability."


The success story of Jacobsen’s business is built on a foundation of customer-centric values and cutting-edge technology. Throughout the decade the company has stayed ahead of the curve, adapting to new security trends and tailoring services to meet the unique needs of each client. This adaptability and dedication to quality have been key to building enduring relationships within the community.


Congratulations once again to Myron Jacobsen and the entire team at Thor Security Ltd., Reed Security Authorized Dealer on a decade of Excellence.

 

We're proud of you Myron and team! 




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SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
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Ph: 306.974.0888

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ViboPulse Services
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WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

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232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

 

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Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

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