Occupational health and safety laws help protect everyone in the workplace from harassment and violence.
In Saskatchewan, the occupational health and safety rules are set out in:
Together, they set out the steps that need to be taken by employers and employees to prevent harassment or violence and to respond to it. A part of the provincial government called Occupational Health and Safety oversees these laws.
Providing a safe workplace requires having prevention policies in place. There must be a meaningful process to receive and address complaints regarding harassment and violence of any kind.
These rules apply in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. Unionized workplaces may have additional rights and responsibilities. These would be set out in their collective agreement.
If you work for a federally regulated employer, such as a bank or an airline, you have protections against workplace sexual harassment under the:
This section provides general information about occupational health and safety laws only. Processes and consequences can vary between workplaces. If you need more information, you can contact Occupational Health and Safety.
You may also need legal advice. If you have experienced workplace sexual harassment in Saskatchewan, you can get up to 4 hours of free legal advice. Learn more.
The law defines what workplace harassment and workplace violence is. Sexual harassment in the workplace is workplace harassment.
Occupational health and safety laws set out duties regarding workplace harassment and violence. These apply to employers, supervisors and workers.
Occupational Health and Safety Committees are required for any workplace with 10 or more employees. Some workplaces with between 5 to 9 workers are required to appoint an Occupational Health and Safety Representative.
Employers are required have a Harassment Prevention Policy. It must include information about how to make a harassment complaint. Employers must make a commitment to take action when there has been workplace harassment.
Employers must have a written policy for violent situations. It must involve prevention and have a plan on what to do in the even of a violent workplace situation.
If you have been harassed at work, you can make a workplace complaint. Understanding the process can make it easier to take this step.
There are a number of ways that Occupational Health Officers can assist both workers and employers dealing with workplace harassment.
This site provides general information about workplace sexual harassment only. It is not a substitute for receiving legal advice about your situation. Request a Referral to receive 4 hours of free legal advice.
The Shift Project is funded by the Department of Justice and delivered by the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA).