New & Noteworthy

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

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.

With EntraPass Web you can easily add/delete users, create schedules and assign permissions for various doors, gates and elevators at your building.

Eliminate keys and the costs of re-keying when an employee or tenant leaves or is terminated.

Whether you're a small business with one door or a large multi-location operation with hundreds of doors, we’ve got you covered.



Advanced features

With advanced video surveillance integration you can save time searching for events.

With smartphone apps you can manage your building from Anywhere

Easily add and revoke mobile lock control permissions to ensure your property is secure and the right people have access when they need it.


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.



#accesscontrol
#reedcares






WE JOINED 20,000 SECURITY GEEKS IN VEGAS - HERE'S WHAT WE LEARNED


Every year 20,000 Security Geeks (Experts) attend ISCWEST to learn about cutting-edge crime fighting technology, latest trends and connect with our security industry friends.

Would you rather deal with a security company that invests in themselves (and You) or one that coasts?

BTW - This is the 16th year Reed Security has attended ISCWEST!



Our connected property partner, Alarm.com, announced the Water Dragon Smart Leak Detection System.

The Water Dragon is a single compact device that uses ultrasonic technology to detect and promptly alert homeowners about water issues before they become major problems. 

Homeowners can also use the Alarm.com app to monitor water usage trends for the day, week, and month, which can help them conserve water and save on utility bills.




We connected with our 24/7 Monitoring partner, AvantGuard, to learn more about tools they recently implemented to give our clients an even better Customer Experience. Tools include new monitoring software, apps and a dashboard.

The parent company, Becklar, also showcased WorkerSafety Pro. This lone worker solution requires regular check-ins and will notify a call list during an emergency.

Whether it’s an environmental, health, or social risk, WorkerSafety Pro provides the most comprehensive and customizable solution for the iPhone and Apple Watch today.




We found a MUST HAVE solution to detect teenagers vaping in school washrooms.

Triton smart sensors monitor your bathrooms 24/7 so you don’t have to. When an incident is detected, get an instant alert to take action quickly.

3D Sense can detect real time vaping of all vaped or smoked Nicotine and THC. 

3D Sense Pro can also detect keywords such as "Help", "Stop" and "Gun".




Need Remote Video Monitoring? Don't have reliable power? Don't have internet?

Mobile Pro Systems manufactures creative mobile surveillance systems for real-time monitoring in nearly any environment.

Add Reed Security's Virtual Guard Service to Intervene before a crime takes place.




"IT’S A SAD COMMENTARY ON OUR SOCIETY THAT GUNSHOT DETECTION SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE ONE’S SAFETY, ESPECIALLY WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS."

CHRISTIAN CONNORS – FOUNDER

This is the exact thought we had when we stopped by the Shooter Detection Systems booth.

The Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System incorporates the world’s finest acoustic gunshot identification software and combines it with infrared gunfire flash detection to produce the highest performing, fully automatic, and most accurate gunshot detection technology available today.

The Guardian System is certified by US and UK Government authorities and trusted by our customers in corporate, school, government, and other private and public venues across the globe and comes in wireless and PoE sensor solutions to fit every building design.


Our partner, Qolsys, had the MOST smart features of any security and automation system at the show. Control it all from a touchscreen or from Alarm.com apps.

Coming Soon: IQ Pro and IQ Pro+ for large commercial facilities.




We stopped by the AJAX Systems booth to learn about their smart home and business platform. The company is based in Ukraine and have relocated their production to a safer area that hasn't been as impacted by the War.  

The products look beautiful, they have best in class wireless range (up to 2km) and the app is easy to use.

We ordered a demo kit to test it out. Bat sold separately.




Our partner, Avigilon, introduced Avigilon Unity on-premise and Avigilon Alta cloud security suites. 

Whether you want to manage your video surveillance and access control systems directly or outsource management by moving to the cloud — this is powerful AI enabled technology!


REED personalizes security solutions for your needs and budget.

Contact Us today for a FREE QUOTE for your Home or Business.

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233

www.reedsecurity.com




SASKATOON DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT GETS PROTECTED BY REED SECURITY CAMERAS

Reed Security was established in March of 2000 with a vision – we want to be the #1 security provider in Saskatchewan! Over two decades later we are known for our great local service and protect 1000’s of homes and businesses across the prairies. To serve you better we have locations in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Calgary and Edmonton. 


In our latest article, we share the details of a security pilot project by the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District.

 

SMART BUSINESS SECURITY

We help businesses and organizations re-gain control, reduce theft, monitor their properties, protect staff and grow their bottom lines. From small businesses to large enterprises our professional-grade Smart Business security solutions from Reed Security provide tools you can rely on.


In our latest project spotlight, we share some interesting information on a pilot project for the DTNYXE Bid in Saskatoon, and how security cameras and Video Surveillance Keeps Security Front and Center in smart cities across the globe! 

 
“Urban populations are expanding rapidly around the globe, with an expected growth of 1.56 billion by 2040. As the number of people living and working in cities continues to grow, the ability to keep everyone safe is an increasing challenge However, technology companies are developing products and solutions with these futuristic cities in mind, as the reality is closer than you may think. Solutions that can help to watch over public places and share data insights with city workers and officials are increasingly enabling smart cities to improve the experience and safety of the people who reside there. “ - Rishi Lodhia- Managing Director, EMEA,

We all want our public places to be safe, whether you are in shopping malls or walking around towns and cities downtown. From dangerous drivers to petty crime on the streets to high profile bank robberies, surveillance cameras can go some way to recording events, helping the police or other emergency services to respond quickly to, and in some cases even prevent serious incidents.





REED SECURITY PROJECT: DTNYXE 


Reed Security is excited to announce that we are the Saskatoon security company selected by the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District to provide services for the pilot security surveillance project in Downtown Saskatoon. We installed high-definition surveillance cameras at several key locations in Saskatoon’s City Centre, in an effort to make our cities downtown feel safer for all citizens.


We installed REEDHD™ security cameras with ColorVu technology. The cameras use an ultra-low light sensor and a built-in spotlight to see in color 24/7. The client can check on cameras anytime, anywhere using our desktop and smartphone apps.


 “It was easy to increase the safety and protection of our community. The cooperation we received from DTNYXE and participating businesses was outstanding.”
Virgil Reed, CEO, Reed Security
"Reed Security was great to work with, the project was delivered on time and on budget and we are pleased with the overall result. They were sensitive to the needs of property owners to ensure the installation was sensitive to building facades."
Brent Penner, Executive Director, DTNYXE

  

 

DO SECURITY CAMERAS DETER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY?

 

Case studies have proven that having a video surveillance system can deter a significant amount of crime. The University of North Carolina found that half of all the surveyed burglars would flee the area after discovering cameras. Additionally, 60% of burglars said they wouldn’t rob an establishment if they had prior knowledge of the video surveillance system.

 


EXAMPLES OF SMART CITY VIDEO SURVEILLACE

Hayward, California*


After investing in improving its downtown area, city officials in Hayward, California, realized that the area around city hall needed further security measures to stop the drug dealing, prostitution, theft and violent crimes going on there. Purchasing solar-powered, deployable video surveillance units saved the city a significant amount of money since power lines would have had to have been trenched in. Even better, the drug dealing came to a rapid halt thanks to camera identification and other crime went down an estimated 60 percent as well.

Mankato, Minnesota*


The city of Mankato, Minnesota, has complied with its new public safety and property protection initiatives and helped reduce the number of public safety crimes, as well as vandalism incidents. A recent nationally-publicized altercation that took place outside a bar was captured on the city’s surveillance cameras, giving law enforcement evidence that aided in the judicial process.


*Source: https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/90109-the-impact-of-surveillance-smart-cities

 

You could say that the common factor between every smart city project in the world is in their ultimate goal: to improve quality of life, or livability, for their citizens, and Saskatoon is no different. 

Atlanta, Georgia


In addition to city departments, the networks of local private businesses can also be integrated. This results in a public-private partnership that ensures the highest level of protection for a city and its citizens. There are already some very successful use cases proving the importance of collaboration between the public and private sector, for example, the initiative “Operation Shield” ran in the City of Atlanta.

 

“Operation Shield is a two-way street. The police department gets eyes in a particular area they might not have had before, and at the same time, it gives businesses peace of mind that APD can see what’s going on and respond faster should the need arise.” - Thomas Sutton, Senior Police Officer of the Atlanta, Georgia Police Department

10 CITIES WITH THE MOST VIDEO SURVEILLANCE


#1- Cameras per person 

Based on the number of cameras per 1,000 people, these cities are the top 10 most surveilled in the world: 

1. Taiyuan, China – 465,255 cameras for 3,975,985 people = 117.02 cameras per 1,000 people 
2. Wuxi, China – 300,000 cameras for 3,315,113 people = 90.49 cameras per 1,000 people 
3. London, England (UK) – 691,000 cameras for 9,425,622 people = 73.31 cameras per 1,000 people 
4. Indore, India – 200,600 cameras per 3,113,445 people = 64.43 cameras per 1,000 people 
5. Changsha, China – 262,000 cameras for 4,694,722 people = 55.81 cameras per 1,000 people 
6. Beijing, China – 1,150,000 cameras for 20,896,820 people = 55.03 cameras per 1,000 people 
7. Hangzhou, China – 400,000 cameras for 7,845,501 people = 50.98 cameras per 1,000 people 
8. Qingdao, China – 262,000 cameras for 5,742,486 people = 45.62 cameras per 1,000 people 
9. Kunming, China – 200,000 cameras for 4,550,831 people = 43.95 cameras per 1,000 people 
10. Xiamen, China – 150,000 cameras for 3,790,792 people = 39.57 cameras per 1,000 people

#2- Cameras per square mile 

Based on the number of cameras per square mile, these cities are the top 20 most surveilled in the world:
 


Depending on whom you ask, the increased prevalence and capabilities of CCTV surveillance could make society safer and more efficient, could trample on our rights to privacy and freedom of movement, or both. No matter which side you argue, the fact is that live video surveillance is ramping up worldwide. 

WANT TO FEEL SAFE, GET ACCOUNTABILITY AND RE-GAIN CONTROL? 

DROP US A LINE AND GET A FREE SECURITY EVALUATION OR CALL 306.653.3200


Reed Security is a Multi AWARD WINNING company and we are your TRUSTED SASKATOON ALARM & SECURITY EXPERTS


HOME SECURITY TAX CREDIT

Source: Saskatchewan.ca

Home Renovation Tax Credit

Home Security Systems, Devices and Professional Installation qualify. Monthly fees do not.


Under this non-refundable tax credit, Saskatchewan homeowners may save up to $2,100 in provincial income tax by claiming a 10.5 per cent tax credit on up to $20,000 of eligible home renovation expenses. Eligible expenses include the cost of labour and professional services, building materials, fixtures, equipment rentals, and permits.

This tax credit will be administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as part of the Saskatchewan personal income tax system. CRA will develop the necessary forms and filing instructions in the coming months.


1. To Qualify

  • Renovations must be to your principal residence, which must be located in Saskatchewan.
  • Renovation expenses must be incurred between October 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
  • The renovation must be substantially completed by December 31, 2022.
  • At the time of the renovation(s), you must own, alone or jointly with another person, the housing unit (or share of the capital stock of a co-operative housing corporation that you acquired solely for the right to inhabit the housing unit owned by that corporation).
  • You, your current or former spouse or common-law partner, or any of your or your spouse/common-law partner's children must ordinarily inhabit the housing unit during the eligibility period.
  • In general, renovations must be of an enduring nature and integral to the dwelling or to the land that forms part of the dwelling. Land of one-half hectare or 1.24 acres, including the land upon which your housing unit stands and any portion of the adjoining land, will generally be considered part of your eligible dwelling for purposes of this tax credit.


2. Claim Credit on Tax Returns


Claim the credit on your 2021 and/or 2022 personal income tax returns:

  • Total qualified expenses incurred between October 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, in excess of $1,000 (base amount), but not more than $12,000 can be claimed on your 2021 tax return (maximum claim of $11,000 for 2021).
  • Total qualified expenses incurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, in excess of $1,000 (base amount), but not more than $10,000, can be claimed on your 2022 tax return (maximum claim of $9,000 for 2022).
  • The tax credit can be split among eligible family members, but the total amount claimed cannot exceed the maximum allowable. Eligible family members include you and your spouse or common-law partner and you or your spouse/common-law partner's children who are under 18 years of age at the end of 2021.
  • If you sell and purchase an eligible dwelling during the eligibility period, qualified expenses that you incur for both dwellings will be eligible (however, each dwelling must have been your permanent residence at the time the renovations occurred). The maximum total of qualified expenditures that you can claim is $20,000.
  • If you earn rental or business income from part of your eligible dwelling, you can only claim the amount for expenses incurred for the personal-use areas of your dwelling. For expenses incurred for common areas or that benefit the housing unit as a whole (e.g., re-shingling a roof), divide the expense between personal use and income-earning use and claim the personal-use portion.
  • Example of splitting the tax credit between family members: You and your spouse enter a contract for the purchase and installation of a new furnace after October 1, 2020, and pay $9,500 for this renovation. On your 2021 tax return, calculate the tax credit as follows: Total qualified expense of $9,500, less the $1,000 base amount = $8,500. Either you or your spouse can claim the entire $8,500 or you can each claim a portion of it. For example, if you claim $3,500, your spouse can claim the remaining $5,000.

3. Documentation

Eligible expenses must be supported by documents such as receipts or invoices and should clearly identify:

  • the vendor/contractor including business address and (if applicable) their GST/HST registration number
  • the type and quantity of goods purchased and/or services provided
  • the dates when the goods and/or services were purchased or delivered
  • Invoices must by marked "paid" or be accompanied by other proof of payment such as credit card slips or cancelled cheques.

4. Eligible Expenses

Examples of eligible expenses:

  • painting the interior or exterior of a house
  • re-shingling a roof
  • kitchen, bathroom, and/or basement renovations
  • flooring (carpet, linoleum, hardwood, laminate, etc.)
  • windows and/or doors
  • furnace, boiler, woodstove, fireplace, water softener, water heater, and/or oil tank
  • central air conditioner
  • permanent home ventilation
  • permanent reverse osmosis system
  • septic system and/or wells
  • electrical wiring upgrades (e.g., changing from 100 to 200 amps)
  • home security system (monthly fees do not qualify)
  • solar panels and panel trackers
  • building a garage, deck, fence, garden/storage shed, and/or an addition to your home
  • building a new driveway and/or retaining wall (or resurfacing a driveway)
  • exterior shutters and awnings
  • pool liners and/or solar heaters and heat pumps for pools (does not include solar blankets)
  • landscaping (e.g., sod, perennial shrubs and flowers, trees, large rocks, permanent garden lighting, permanent water fountain, permanent ponds, large permanent garden ornaments)
  • fixtures (e.g., blinds, shades, shutters, lights, ceiling fans)
  • electronic devices that are installed as a fixture and are necessary and primarily used to operate another eligible expenditure (e.g., a device that is a fixture and is necessary and primarily used to operate solar panels, air conditioning systems, home security devices, or ventilation systems)
  • associated costs to the above such as installation, permits, professional services, equipment rentals, and incidental expenses (e.g., work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. will generally constitute an eligible expense)
  • for condo owners and co-operative housing corporation members, your share of the cost of eligible renovations to common areas will qualify for the tax credit if certain conditions are met (see Information Bulletin for more details)

5. Ineligible Expenses

Examples of expenses which are not eligible:

  • renovations to a cottage or cabin unless it is your principal residence
  • the value of your own labour for do-it-yourself projects
  • payments to a close relative or other person not at arm's length, unless that person is registered for GST purposes
  • routine repairs and maintenance typically performed on an annual or more frequent basis
  • maintenance contracts (e.g., furnace and/or pool cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, etc.)
  • appliances, furniture, draperies, hot tubs, and mechanical items not considered an enduring addition to your home (e.g. fridges, stoves, couches, etc.)
  • TVs, computers, tablets, smart devices, speakers, streaming devices, cellphones, gaming systems, and other audiovisual electronics
  • items that have a value independent of the renovation, such as construction equipment and/or tools
  • any financing costs (e.g., interest payments) associated with the renovation(s)


Contact us today for a No Obligation, 20 minute Smart Home/Business Evaluation or call 1.844.384.7233


SASKATOON SECURITY 

Reed Security Headquarters

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

SuRe InnoVations

306.974.0888

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY

306.922.7200

REGINA SECURITY

306.206.0700

CALGARY SECURITY

587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY

855.424.2324




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LOCATIONS

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
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

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

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

 

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

EDMONTON SECURITY
Ph: 1.844.384.7233