Restrictions Are Lifting – What Does This Mean For Your Business?

On July 11th, the Saskatchewan government will lift all public health measures — including mandatory masking and gathering size limits.

As an employer, you may be wondering where this leaves you and your workplace – restrictions are lifting for the public, but what are your responsibilities when it comes to your employees?

Under the Saskatchewan Employment Act, employers in Saskatchewan have legal obligations to keep workers safe. The general duty clause 3-8, requires employers to ensure, as much as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all the employer’s workers.

This leaves some employers wondering if this legal obligation includes extending Covid-19 protective measures in the workplace after July 11^th. Service Hospitality recently sat down with the Saskatchewan Occupational Health & Safety Division to get an answer. The good news is, the grey area is a little more clear. Compliance with the Employment Act and OH&S Regulations will be aligned with the Saskatchewan public health measures, meaning employers are not legally required to enforce masking or further protective measures past July 11^th, as long as workplace protocol aligns with current public health measures.

Employers also remain free to adopt policies that are more restrictive than current public health measures. If your workplace presents higher risks such as working with the public or in close contact with other individuals you may still consider maintaining some protective measures such as physical barriers or distancing, or masking.

If you are unsure of how to proceed after July 11th, don’t hesitate to contact a Service Hospitality advisor for more information!