Asbestos kills. It's best to test. WorkSafe Saskatchewan offers tips for homeowners and contractors to avoid asbestos exposure. Regina, Sask., Nov. 19, 2020 – WorkSafe Saskatchewan has released a number of tips for homeowners and contractors to stay safe and aware of the potential for asbestos in their home before starting construction and renovation projects. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related deaths in Saskatchewan. It is dangerous to construction workers and do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners alike. Asbestos has been banned in Canada since Dec. 30, 2018. However, asbestos-containing materials were common building products in homes built before 1990. Although asbestos-containing products are generally safe when left undisturbed, they become brittle over time and can crumble. The popularity of DIY projects has heightened the likelihood of asbestos exposure for homeowners. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause chronic, irreversible and life-threatening lung diseases. These diseases, which [...]

WorkSafe Saskatchewan hosts virtual psychological health and safety learning event Regina, Sask., Nov. 26, 2020 – Mental health injuries continue to rise across the province and country. In response, WorkSafe Saskatchewan is hosting its third one-day psychological health and safety in the workplace learning event that was offered free to the public. Attendees include Saskatchewan employers, human resource professionals and mental health experts who are interested in psychological health and safety in the workplace. As of Nov. 16, the WCB has accepted 206 mental health claims from Saskatchewan workers in 2020. While mental health claims only account for a small percentage of the workplace claims submitted in Saskatchewan, those numbers are on the rise. The number of mental health claims accepted by the WCB has increased by more than 213 per cent from 2015 to the end of 2019. “We’re pleased to bring this event to participants [...]

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related deaths in Saskatchewan WorkSafe Saskatchewan is urging contractors and homeowners to take the proper steps  to protect themselves against the risks of asbestos exposure.   REGINA, SK, Sept. 10, 2020 – Many Saskatchewanians are staying close to home these days, which means construction projects, renovations and repairs are likely in full swing. WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, is urging contractors and homeowners to take the proper steps to protect themselves and others against the risks of asbestos exposure. “Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related deaths in Saskatchewan” says Kevin Mooney, vice-president of prevention and employer services at the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board. “That’s why WorkSafe launched a new awareness campaign ‘Asbestos kills. It’s best to test.’ We believe this message is critical as some [...]

WorkSafe Saskatchewan forms partnership with leading Canadian psychological health expert WorkSafe and Dr. Joti Samra to launch psychological resource centre this fall Regina, Sask., June 30, 2020 – Mental health injuries are on the rise across our province and our country. To develop a long-term strategy, which will include resources to assist Saskatchewan employers deal with psychological health issues in the workplace, WorkSafe Saskatchewan has formed a partnership with Dr. Joti Samra, one of Canada’s foremost psychological health and wellness experts. WorkSafe is the workplace injury prevention partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety. “We’re very excited to partner with Dr. Samra to develop a long-term psychological health and safety strategy for the province. Part of the initiative within the strategy will be to develop a resource centre available on WorkSafe’s website, which will include not only written [...]

WorkSafe announces 2020 Safe Worker and Safe Employer Award winners Regina, Sask., May 4, 2020: Today, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, announced the winners of the 2020 Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards. Each year, WorkSafe Saskatchewan presents the Safe Worker award to a worker who goes beyond the expectations of their position to help create a safer workplace. The 2020 WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Worker Award winner is Tasia Smith, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Regina. The runner-up finalists for the 2020 Safe Worker Award are Dustin Bertsch, Black and McDonald Limited, Saskatoon and Dianne Addley, Canada Post, Saskatoon. The Safe Employer Award is presented to a best practice employer who builds safety into every task. The 2020 Safe Employer Award winner is Northern Mat & Bridge Limited Partnership, Yorkton, Sask. The runner-up finalists for the 2020 Safe Employer Award [...]

  Sask. WCB offers relief measures for employers Premium penalties waived for employers effective April 1 until June 30, 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis Regina, Sask., March 30, 2020 – The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is introducing additional relief measures for employers who are unable to pay their WCB premium payments. Effective April 1 until June 30, 2020, the WCB will waive penalties and interest charges for late premium payments. The Government of Saskatchewan announced various measures to support provincial business owners during the COVID-19 crisis. To provide further relief for Saskatchewan employers, the WCB is: Forgiving interest and penalties for late payments on 2020 premiums applied in the month of March. Prioritizing employer payroll revisions to help employers reduce their premiums. Suspending payroll audits until further notice except in situations where an employer may be eligible for a refund. “We are dealing with extraordinary circumstances throughout the province of [...]

Workers, employers hear from experts on workplace mental health WorkSafe Sask. hosts second annual psychological health and safety learning event Regina, Sask., Dec. 3, 2019 – In response to the increase in job-related mental health claims in Saskatchewan, WorkSafe Saskatchewan – the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety – is working to provide resources for workers and employers on psychological health and safety. That is why WorkSafe is hosting the second annual Psychological Health and Safety Workshop, taking place today at the Delta Hotel in Regina. Close to 350 senior leaders, disability and human resource managers from across the province will hear from leading Canadian industry and academic experts at the one-day learning event. “Psychological claims still only represent a small percentage (1.2 per cent) of all the work-related claims submitted to the WCB,” said Annette Goski, the WCB’s [...]