BCCA Celebrates National Construction Day with New Worksite Behavior Training App

Victoria, B.C. (November 26, 2019) – As part of its ongoing efforts to address bullying, hazing, and harassment on B.C. construction worksites, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) is marking National Construction Day with the beta launch of a new Builders Code Crew Training App that uses animation and humour to help construction workers recognize the difference between “Cool or Tool” behavior on the worksite.

The fun and easy-to-use app, which was developed by Denman Digital using the “Don’t be a Tool” campaign concept created by communications agency Rethink, shows animated construction tools in workplace scenarios that depict either model behavior or actions that compromise safety and productivity. Workers are asked to identify the type of behavior or actions in the scenario and are then provided with the correct response and a message that reinforces the appropriate action and its benefits.

Among the worksite issues the app tackles are hazing, gender bias, abusive language, exclusion, non-consensual touching and patronizing behavior. The app’s 20 scenarios also highlight various examples of positive behavior. Over the next month the app will be tested with skilled tradespeople, with a full launch slated for early in the New Year. To learn more about the Crew Training App or request to participate in the beta testing, please visit the Builders Code website here.

“With the Canadian Construction Association declaring today the first annual National Construction Day, it gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the industry that’s the No. 1 employer in B.C.’s goods sector,” said Chris Atchison, President, BCCA. “As with our provincial Construction Month each April, it also gives us a chance to highlight the many things we are doing to attract and retain workers, especially tradeswomen and other under-represented groups, so we can address our current and projected skilled labour shortage.

“With this new Crew Training App, we now have Builders Code resources to specifically help everyone in the construction sector set a baseline code of conduct for BC construction worksites. That includes everyone from the company owners, executives, HR managers and union business managers in the office, to the supervisors, forepersons, tradespeople and apprentices on the worksite. Based on the excellent response we’ve had to the Builders Code policies, training and other tools, it’s clear that the construction sector is ready for a culture shift and that people within the sector understand how improving the worksite culture will help us attract more people to great careers in construction.”

To celebrate the companies that have taken the Builders Code Acceptable Worksite pledge and demonstrated their commitment, leadership, and action towards advancing and retaining women in their company, BCCA will present the first annual Builders Code Champion Awards in Victoria on November 28. The awards will recognize companies with advanced policies and practices that ensure all employees can reach their full potential in the skilled trades, with award categories that include Recruiting & Hiring Champion, Workplace Culture Champion, Community Champion, Initiate of the Year and Contractor of the Year.

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, please visit: http://builderscode.ca

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CONTACT: 
Greg Descantes
BC Construction Association

604-646-3564
gdescantes@pacegroup.com

Builders Code Ramps Up Services Across Northern Region

Site Supers, Foremen, Union Business Managers newest beneficiaries of Builders Code supports   

PRINCE GEORGE, BC (August 20, 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 announced today in Prince George, along with a new local Employer Advisor for the northern region. The training, which supports the construction personnel that work most closely with tradespeople on construction sites, was announced by Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) CEO Scott Bone.

The new Employer Advisor is human resources expert Diane Bourret, who has 20 years’ experience as a HR professional, certified professional coach, and training facilitator with organizations such as Canfor and the City of Prince George. In addition to HR consulting, her expertise includes recruitment and employee evaluation, as well as developing and facilitating training programs focused on team effectiveness and transformation leadership. Backed by the Builders Code team across BC, Diane will help northern construction employers and unions retain their tradespeople through a wide range of free advisory services including dispute resolution and mitigation.

The new Builders Code training 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 in the North, where the competition for skilled workers is fierce, the retention of first-year apprentices is challenging, and most employers are small companies lacking the HR expertise they need to define and 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.

“On behalf of the Northern Regional Construction Association, we’re pleased to welcome Diane, whose experience, HR expertise and connections to the northern business and construction community are well known,” said Bone. “Our NRCA members benefitted greatly from the workshops for company owners, executives and HR managers, which is ongoing, so we’re very pleased that Diane will deliver the specialized training for leaders on the worksite as well.”

Among the construction companies in the North that are benefitting from the training and resources provided by the Builders Code is Prince George-based 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”

“A culture shift on construction worksites will help us attract and retain the tradespeople we need, particularly women,” added Bone. “In the North, we’ve already had more than 30 employers sign the Builders Code Acceptable Worksite Pledge.   Employers are recognizing the value of eliminating harassment, hazing or bullying and that these Builders Code tools are indispensable to achieve that.”

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 the NRCA.

“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.”

Builders Code Training Workshops (Northern Region)

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     Fort St. John – Corporate leaders, executives and HR personnel
Oct. 31     Fort St. John – Site supervisors, forepersons, union business managers

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 healthy 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

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 the Northern Regional Construction Association

The Northern Regional Construction Association vision is to help our members flourish and promote the construction industry in Northern BC. With over $62 billion dollars of 2019 capital construction in our region, NRCA is well positioned in partnership with BCCA to provide high-quality membership services through some key objectives, including: access to an effective bidding platform; connecting and engaging with others in the industry; providing high-quality training; advocating for best practices; speaking as one construction community voice in the region; and giving back to the community. For more information, visit us at www.nrca.ca (website), @nrca.ca (Facebook) and LinkedIn.

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).

CONTACTS: 

BC Construction Association
Greg Descantes
604-646-3564
gdescantes@pacegroup.com

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).

– 30 –

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.

Southern Interior Construction Employers Tackle Worksite Harassment with New HR Specialist

Kelowna, BC (April 29, 2019) – Construction employers in the Southern Interior region were introduced to the province’s newest Builders Code Advisor today at a Contractor Breakfast in Kelowna as part of BC Construction Month. The Builders Code Advisor’s role is to help address diversity and harassment issues on worksites by supporting employers who wish to improve retention rates but lack needed HR skills and resources.

Builders Code Advisor Diane Jolicoeur is a Kelowna-based certified professional coach and consultant in career transition and displacement. Her extensive experience and expertise in human resources includes employee relations, specialized recruitment, HR strategy and development, and workshop development and facilitation. She currently also consults for Okanagan College Women in Trades Training as a mentor and advisor. Today’s breakfast was held at the College.

“As a partner in the Builders Code and a strong supporter of its goals to increase the retention of tradeswomen, and all apprentices, by eliminating hazing, harassment, and bullying on B.C. worksites, the Southern Interior Construction Association is very pleased to introduce Diane to our membership,” said Jason Henderson, CEO, SICA. “Our employers in the Southern Interior recognize that by setting a standard code of conduct for construction worksites, the Builders Code will help them increase safety and productivity at their sites. Attracting and retaining employees, especially tradeswomen, is key issue throughout our region and industry so it’s a definite benefit for our members to have access to a skilled HR professional that can help them develop and implement HR policies and address worksite issues before they escalate.”

Across the province, more than 23,000 construction companies have 20 employees or less. Supported by the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) and BC Construction Association Employee Benefit Trust (BCCAEBT), Builders Code Advisors serve as expert coaches for BC construction employers as they strive to navigate escalating HR situations on the job site that arise from a lack of clearly defined equity or inclusion policies. The goal is to assist employers in resolving situations fairly, quickly, and productively for all parties, and in the process improve the employer’s ability to confidently communicate expectations and manage such situations independently in future.

“Construction employers throughout B.C. want to improve the culture on their sites and effectively manage harassment and bullying situations,” said Chris Atchison, President, BCCA. “Providing experienced HR advisors like Diane to work with them one on one is a powerful opportunity. More than 50 employers have already signed on to the Builders Code in its first weeks.”

“I look forward to supporting construction employers in the southern interior region to modernize the industry culture,” said Joliecoeur. “My philosophy is to empower people to come to their own decisions, and my approach is to provide expertise and advice without judgement.”

The Builders Code Advisors are part of a comprehensive suite of tools for employers available at www.builderscode.ca that includes: downloadable policies and posters, training, employer scorecards and awards, and a worksite “Don’t be a Tool” awareness campaign.

The Builders Code recognizes that every tradesperson on a worksite is affected by stress and distraction caused by bullying, hazing and harassment. It’s expected that by demonstrating to employers the benefits of an improving worksite culture and providing them with the tools they need to affect change, retention rates will improve and help to erase B.C.’s projected skilled labour shortage of 7,900 workers by 2028.

“When you consider the significant role stress plays in worksite accidents, it’s clear that hazing, harassment and bullying are important safety issues,” said Michael McKenna, Executive Director, BCCSA. “As an organization that provides straightforward and practical assistance to help contractors meet their health and safety needs and requirements, the Builders Code Advisors is an essential component of the services and training we offer construction employers.”

“Our mission is to be an innovative provider of employee benefits to our clients, so that they can recruit, protect and retain their talented people,” added Arthur Chung, CEO, BCCAEBT. “We’re incredibly excited that there will be much needed support to empower construction industry employers to build a safe and inclusive work culture. Having a Builders Code Advisors in place marks the culmination of the extensive dedication and hard work put in by the BCCA and all of the partners on the Builders Code project.”

The Builders Code is an initiative of the Construction Workforce Equity Project, funded by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training through the Sector Labour Market Partnership Program. Builders Code partners include: BCCA, BCCSA, BCCA EBT, Industry Training Association (ITA), WorkSafeBC, Minerva Foundation of B.C., LNG Canada, and four Regional Construction Associations (NRCA, SICA, VICA, VRCA). Throughout 2019, additional Builders Code resources and services will be rolled out including additional Builders Code Advisors in every region of the province. 

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 about SICA, visit: www.sicabc.ca
For more information about BCCA, visit: www.bccassn.com
For more information about the Builders Code, visit: www.builderscode.ca

CONTACTS: 
BC Construction Association
Greg Descantes
604-646-3564
greg@pacegroup.com

New Builders Code Training Program gives Construction Leaders the tools to address worksite harassment, hazing and bullying.