Journal Of Commerce News Service |April 25, 2019
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The British Columbia Builder’s Code, a province-wide training program and anti-harassment initiative aimed at improving workplace culture, has launched in Prince George, B.C.
Northern Regional Construction Association CEO Scott Bone announced the program at a contractor breakfast held as part of Construction and Skilled Trades Month in B.C.
“On behalf of the Northern Regional Construction Association, we’re pleased to be the first to offer this powerful Builder’s Code training to employers in the northern region. Our association recognizes the labour challenges our industry faces and understands that improving the culture on jobsites could play an important role in helping our employers retain the skilled tradespeople they need,” Bone said.
The training program is a one-day workshop for participants to explore issues such as the impact and nature of unacceptable worksite conduct and encouraging an acceptable worksite culture. The training was developed in partnership with organizations such as the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), the Industry Training Authority of BC, WorkSafeBC and the Minerva Foundation of BC.
Six employers at the breakfast signed up to adopt the Builder’s Code including Viking Construction, ARMTEC, WestCana, Houle Electric and RF Klien & Sons.
“The fact is, there is no place for harassment, hazing or bullying in society these days, especially on a jobsite. For us, progressive leadership means taking advantage of the latest training on these issues to make sure they don’t become a problem on our jobsites,” said Klien & Sons CEO Corey Klien.
Thirty-one employers also signed the Builder’s Code Acceptable Worksite Pledge to affirm their commitment to providing a worksite free of bullying, hazing or harassment.
HR and executive training workshops form part of the initiative, along with downloadable policies and posters, dispute resolution advisers and employer scorecards and awards.
“We encourage all construction employers across B.C. to visit the Builder’s Code website to learn more about these informative workshops. This training emphasizes that we all play a role in creating a productive, safe environment, whether we’re on the worksite, in the office or in the boardroom,” BCCA president Chris Atchison said.
More information about the Builder’s Code is available at www.builderscode.ca.