Workplace Incidents

The Occupational Health and Safety Division can investigate workplace safety situations. If they find that an employer is not complying with safety standards, they can take different actions, including:

• requiring the employer to agree in writing to follow safety standards
• ordering that work stop
• issuing a ticket

If the situation results in a serious injury or fatality, there can be large fines and even prison time.

Employers cannot punish workers who have exercised their health and safety rights. If you report a health or safety issue, your employer cannot:

• fire, suspend or demote you
• issue a verbal or written warning to you
• deduct your wages

Many employees in Saskatchewan can get Workers’ Compensation if they are injured at work. Workers’ Compensation covers medical costs and loss of wages. Some industries and occupations are not covered by Workers’ Compensation, such as:

• certain types of farming occupations
• university professors
• door-to-door salespeople
• most school teachers

Employers must pay premiums to cover Workers’ Compensation benefits that their employees receive. They are not allowed to make deductions from an employee’s wage to cover this cost.

If you are injured at work, you should:

• get immediate medical attention if needed
• tell your healthcare professional that it is a workplace injury
• get a written report detailing any physical restrictions based on the injury
• report the injury to your employer and to Workers’ Compensation