Builders Code Ramps Up Services Across The Province
Site Supers, Foremen, Union Business Managers newest beneficiaries of Builders Code supports
KELOWNA, BC (August 13, 2019) – New Builders Code training for site supervisors, forepersons and union business managers on how best to deal with the perpetrators and targets of worksite bullying and harassment was unveiled today in Kelowna by Jason Henderson, CEO of the Southern Interior Construction Association, which will be the first regional construction association to host the training on September 26th.
The training, which supports the construction personnel that work most closely with tradespeople on construction sites, will explore issues such as: the nature and impact of unacceptable worksite conduct; how to build and maintain an acceptable worksite culture; the role and responsibilities of worksite leaders; and how best to deal with complainants and the people they are reporting. The training will be invaluable for construction employers across B.C., where the competition for skilled workers is fierce, the retention of first-year apprentices is challenging, and most employers are small companies that do not have the extra time and resources they need to develop HR initiatives that promote an acceptable workplace culture. Among the many benefits employers will see are improved worker retention, safety, and productivity, and lower costs connected to employee turnover, worksite accidents, injury-related health care costs, legal actions, rehiring, and workforce productivity issues.
“We’re pleased to be hosting the first training in B.C. for site supervisors, forepersons and union business managers,” said Henderson. “Our members benefitted greatly from the workshops for company owners, executives and HR managers, with several of them, like Team Construction and CorWest Builders, going on to reinforce their commitment to acceptable worksites by signing the Builders Code Pledge, and other members signing up for additional individual company presentations and workshops.
“Based on the interest our members have shown in the Builders Code and the benefits they’ve seen from working with our Builders Code Employer Advisor, Diane Jolicoeur, I would encourage them to sign up early for the new training in Kelowna on Sept. 26th and Castlegar on Oct. 10th. We’ll also have another workshop for company owners, executives and HR managers in Castlegar on Sept. 19th.”
Among the construction companies that are benefitting from the training and resources provided by the Builders Code is Sierra Landscaping, which operates out of out of Winfield, BC in the heart of the Okanagan. “The Builders Code is a comprehensive compilation of all the important aspects and policies required to promote and maintain safe and inclusive worksite cultures,” said Veronica Scarpino, Partner, Sierra Landscaping.
“As a small business in the construction industry without a dedicated human resources department, Sierra Landscaping will greatly benefit from the professional online resources and materials developed and made available through the program. The Builders Code is a fantastic educational tool that should go a long way to creating and reinforcing the type of work environments everyone involved can be proud of.”
The Builders Code is a comprehensive compilation of all the important aspects and policies required to promote and maintain safe and inclusive worksite cultures. As a small business in the construction industry without a dedicated human resources department, Sierra Landscaping will greatly benefit from the professional online resources and materials developed and made available through the program. The Builders Code is a fantastic educational tool that should go a long way to creating and reinforcing the type of work environments everyone involved can be proud of.
The Builders Code provides employers with a wide range of resources, including downloadable policies and posters, online and onsite training for personnel, employer advisors, employer scorecards and awards, and a crew training app (coming soon). Companies who use the Builders Code tools and training benefit from an increased capacity to address behaviour issues that affect safety and productivity and can use their training certification to promote their company and culture to potential employees, as well as clients.
The training workshops were developed by experienced training providers in partnership with project partners including BCCA, the Industry Training Authority (ITA), WorkSafeBC, and the Minerva Foundation of BC, and are free during the pilot phase of the Builders Code. Registration for the workshops will be available through B.C.’s four Regional Construction Associations. (See below for schedule and links.)
“As the construction personnel that work most closely with tradespeople on B.C. worksites, site supervisors, forepersons and union business managers have a vital role to play in creating and maintaining a positive worksite culture and addressing any issues that may arise,” said Chris Atchison, President, BCCA. “Participating in these workshops will ensure they have the tools and training they need to not only resolve any issues in a positive manner but to ensure they don’t occur in the first place. I want to thank our regional partners for supporting the Builders Code and this valuable training, which will help us attract and retain the skilled people we need as our sector continues to thrive during this exciting period of growth.”
QUOTES
Industry Training Authority
“Each day, thousands of trades professionals across the province are contributing to our economy and growth. We are proud to support inclusive, safe and health work environments by making sure everyone on a jobsite knows what’s expected and can work safely and productively.” – Shelley Gray, CEO, Industry Training Authority
Westcana Electric
“Westcana would like to thank the BC Construction Association, NRCA, and their partners for their interest in working towards more acceptable worksite behaviours on all job sites,” said Scott Sherba, President, Westcana Electric. “I believe Westcana has always been ahead of the curve when creating diversity, equality and inclusivity but the Builders Code program has shown us we can do more. Members of our team found the first phase of training respectful and informative and we look forward to next sessions. Here at Westcana we are determined to be part of the solution – building a better construction industry that works for everyone”
Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia
“The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia commends the BC Construction Association and its partners on working towards a more inclusive and diverse construction industry. In 1960, RCABC established its first roof Guarantee, offering a peace of mind and quality assurance to British Columbians. The Builders Code policies and guidelines will help our Association and member company employers offer the same assurances to their employees, increasing retention and growing our skilled workforce. We were proud to sign the Acceptable Worksite pledge.” – Bryan Wallner, CEO
Scott Construction
“Scott Construction is committed to being an industry leader for employee health and safety, particularly in the area of mental health. As an early adopter of the BC Builders Code, we can attest to the value of the resources available through this program and their effectiveness in the reduction of workplace bullying, hazing and harassment, as well as in the creation of safer, more inclusive work environments. Credit goes to the BC Construction Association and its industry partners for looking beyond the risk of physical injury and shining a bright light on the importance of mental health protection as well.” – Kellyann Williams, HR Manager.
About THE BUILDERS CODE
The Builders Code is an initiative of the Construction Workforce Equity Project. Co-funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, with financial contributions from the BC Construction Association, WorkSafe BC, the Industry Training Authority, LNG Canada, the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and the BC Construction Safety Alliance, the Builders Code is also supported by the BC’s four Regional Construction Associations and the Minerva Foundation of BC. For more information about The Builders Code and our #dontbeatool campaign, visit us at: www.builderscode.ca (website); @bcbuilderscode (Facebook) and @bcbuilderscode (Twitter).
About British Columbia Construction Association
The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) works with four Regional Construction Associations (NRCA, SICA, VICA and VRCA) to serve more than 10,000 employers in the provinces industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI) construction industry. BCCA’s programs and services include employee benefits (BCCA Employee Benefits), technology tools for bid and project management (BidCentral), Employer services through the Builders Code, which strives to improve workplace culture, and employment programs (Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), Integrating Newcomers, LNG Canada Trades Training Fund, LNG Canada Connect). BCCA advocates on behalf of all employers to ensure British Columbia’s construction sector remains productive and resilient. For more information, visit us at www.bccassn.com (website), @ThisisBCCA (Facebook) and @thisisBCCA (Twitter).
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CONTACTS:
Kathi Springer
Media Relations
BC Construction Association
250-888-8767
kspringer@pacegroup.com
Builders Code Training Workshops
Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA)
Sept. 19 Castlegar – Corporate leaders, executives and HR personnel
Sept. 26 Kelowna – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Oct. 10 Castlegar – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Registration for the workshops is available through the SICA website or by contacting Leanne Hendrickson, Education Services Coordinator, SICA, at leanneh@sicabc.ca or 250.491.7330.
Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA)
Oct. 7 Prince George – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Oct. 22 Williams Lake – Corporate leaders, executives and HR personnel
Oct. 23 Williams Lake – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Oct. 30 Ft. St. John – Corporate leaders, executives and HR personnel
Oct. 31 Fort St. John – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Registration for the workshops is available through the NRCA website or by contacting Maria O’Neill-Plouffe, Manager of Education & Events, at mariaoneill-plouffe@nrca.ca or 250.563-1744.
Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA)
Sept. 12 Vancouver – Corporate leaders, executives and HR personnel
Oct. 17 Vancouver – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Registration for the workshops is available through the VRCA website or by contacting Andrea Ringrose, Manager, Education, at edmanager@vrca.ca or 604-293-6597.
Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)
Sept. 24 Victoria – Corporate leaders, executives and HR personnel
Jan 2020 Victoria – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers
Registration for the workshops is available through the VICA website or by contacting Chenelle Falconer, Manager, Training & Education, at chenelle@vicabc.ca or 250-483-7591.
