PROVINCE ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO PROTECT WORKERS

Today at the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Convention in Regina, Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan announced the implementation of new legislation and a regulatory change that will strengthen workplace safety in Saskatchewan.

Bill 23, which enhances and clarifies current Occupational Health and Safety legislation, will be proclaimed to come into force on November 7.

"This legislation puts the safety of working people first, while ensuring Saskatchewan's economy continues to grow," Morgan said. "We've established ways to better engage employers in creating safe workplaces; we have enhanced appeal processes and further empowered Occupational Health Officers.

"We need clear, consistent and easy to understand laws to assist in efforts to reduce Saskatchewan's unacceptably high injury rate, while creating an environment that helps attract business and skilled workers to Saskatchewan, supporting Saskatchewan's Plan for Growth."

The proclamation will not include the requirement to designate a prime contractor in certain sectors or increases to proposed fines related to OHS prosecution. These matters have been further considered during the current review of labour legislation and will be addressed with the introduction of the Saskatchewan Employment Act which is to be tabled later this fall.

Morgan also announced new regulations to better protect late-night retail workers from violence in the workplace.

The new regulations for late-night retail premises include safe cash handling procedures, use of video cameras, and the provision of good visibility and signage for all late-night retail premises. In addition, the regulations will require a check-in system and personal emergency transmitters to be provided to all workers working alone in late-night retail establishments.

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety will conduct a series of information sessions across the province to educate employers, workers and stakeholders on the new legislation.

For more information visit www.lrws.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Richelle Bourgoin
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Email: richelle.bourgoin@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-520-2729