Workplace Safety in Saskatchewan
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canadian workers have three fundamental safety rights:
- The right to know about workplace hazards.
- The right to participate in health and safety decisions.
- The right to refuse dangerous work (section 128) if you have reasonable cause to believe the work is a danger to you or another worker.
Employers must keep the workplace safe. Workplaces with 20 or more employees are required to have a joint health and safety committee. Your employer cannot punish you for exercising any of your safety rights.
When does it apply?
- All federally regulated workplaces.
- Exception: The right to refuse dangerous work does not apply if the danger is a normal condition of your job (for example, a firefighter facing fire).
What to Do If Your Canadian Workplace Is Unsafe
- Report the danger to your supervisor right away.
- If it's not fixed, escalate to the joint health and safety committee.
- Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 to report unsafe conditions.
- If you're punished for raising a safety concern, file a reprisal complaint within 90 days under section 147.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't walk off the job without reporting the hazard first — follow the proper refusal process.
- Don't assume someone else will report it. If you see a danger, speak up.
- Don't sign safety waivers — you cannot waive your legal right to a safe workplace.
How Saskatchewan differs from federal law
Workplace health and safety in Saskatchewan is governed by The Saskatchewan Employment Act, Part III (Occupational Health and Safety), and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, enforced by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
- Every Saskatchewan worker has three fundamental rights: the right to know about workplace hazards, the right to participate in safety through committees or representatives, and the right to refuse dangerous work.
- Workplaces with 10 or more workers must have an occupational health committee. Workplaces with 5 to 9 workers must have an occupational health and safety representative.
- Saskatchewan has a mandatory WHMIS training requirement and employers must ensure all workers receive adequate safety training for their specific tasks.
- The Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) provides no-fault workplace injury insurance. Injured workers receive benefits regardless of who was at fault. Most employers must carry WCB coverage.
- Saskatchewan's mining, agriculture, and oil and gas sectors have industry-specific safety regulations that impose additional requirements on employers.
Additional Steps in Saskatchewan
To report unsafe conditions, call the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Division at 306-787-4496 or 1-800-567-7233 (toll-free). If you are injured at work, report to your employer immediately and contact the Saskatchewan WCB at 306-787-4370 or 1-800-667-7590. You can exercise your right to refuse unsafe work — your employer cannot penalize you for doing so.
Relevant Law: The Saskatchewan Employment Act, SS 2013, c. S-15.1, Part III (Occupational Health and Safety); The Workers' Compensation Act, 2013, SS 2013, c. W-17.11
Common Questions
When does workplace safety apply?
All federally regulated workplaces.Exception: The right to refuse dangerous work does not apply if the danger is a normal condition of your job (for example, a firefighter facing fire).
What should I do if my workplace in Canada is dangerous or unsafe?
Report the danger to your supervisor right away.If it's not fixed, escalate to the joint health and safety committee.Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 to report unsafe conditions.If you're punished for raising a safety concern, file a reprisal complaint within 90 days under section 147.
What mistakes should I avoid with workplace safety?
Don't walk off the job without reporting the hazard first — follow the proper refusal process.Don't assume someone else will report it. If you see a danger, speak up.Don't sign safety waivers — you cannot waive your legal right to a safe workplace.
Workplace Safety in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.