(8) Session 10 - Regulating Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) And Worker’s Compensation

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Aims to reduce workplace deaths and injuries.

Shared Responsibility in OHS

OHS is a shared responsibility between employees and employers.

WHMIS

Workplace Hazardous Material Information System that classifies hazardous materials.

Canada Labour Code

Governs occupational health and safety at the federal level in Canada.

Saskatchewan Employment Act

Addresses provincial OHS concerns in Saskatchewan.

Employer Obligation in OHS Laws

Employers must take every reasonable precaution to ensure workplace safety.

Employee Rights under OHS Laws

Employees have rights including participation in safety committees and refusing unsafe work.

Non-compliance consequences

Can lead to fines, workplace shutdowns, and even jail time.

Worker’s Compensation (WC)

Regulated at the provincial level, providing benefits to injured employees.

No-fault Compensation Principle

Parties waive the right to sue, eliminating disputes over injury responsibility.

Independent Board for WC

The board is autonomous and not politically influenced.

Traumatic Injuries

Include injuries like broken bones covered under Worker’s Compensation.

Worker’s Compensation Act, 2013

Primary legislative framework guiding Worker’s Compensation in Saskatchewan.

Employer Assessment Rates

Calculated based on wage-related criteria and determined per $100 of assessable earnings.

Short-Term Disability Benefits

Benefits that can range from 75-90% of pre-accident earnings for injured workers.

Long-Term Disability System

Uses a dual award system measuring economic and non-economic losses.

Coverage Under WC

Includes medical expenses typically covered by provincial health plans.

Survivor Benefits

Financial support provided to the family of a deceased worker.

Healthy Work Environment

Compliance with OHS-related legislation to ensure workplace safety.

Regulatory Flexibility of WHMIS

Allows jurisdictions to define specific requirements for hazardous materials.