BC Building Trades challenge BCCSA’s report on substance use

Journal of Commerce | Evan Saunders | March 16, 2023 The executive director of British Columbia’s Building Trades (BCBT) has expressed worry that a new report on substance use in the construction industry could decrease supports for workers. “The construction industry should not use this study to divert treatment and harm reduction resources from the sector,”…

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Asbestos certification and licensing update

Scope of requirements and levels of worker certification WorkSafeBC would like you to be aware of recently posted information and resources to help you prepare for the new asbestos certification and licensing requirements that will need to be followed on the effective date for the changes (to be determined). Who is required to have a…

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Young Richmond worker’s fatal accident caused by unsafe worksite: WorkSafeBC

Richmond News | March 10, 2023 A recent WorkSafeBC report revealed a young Richmond worker’s fatal work injury was caused by the lack of a designated walkway and an unsafe worksite. The Richmond News previously reported in May 2021 that a woman had succumbed to her injuries after an industrial accident in North Hamilton. According to WorkSafeBC’s investigation…

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Research casts doubt on toxic drug crisis in construction: BCCSA

Journal of Commerce | Evan Saunders | March 10, 2023 According to a recent study, the British Columbia Construction Safety Association (BCCSA) claims the toxic drug crisis in the construction industry is not as bad as previously thought. “The initial findings of the Construction Safety and Substance Use: Blueprint for Action study cast doubt on the apparent crisis that…

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Industry Perspectives Op-Ed: Complying with new anti-collision regulations for B.C. tower cranes

Journal of Commerce | Mark Klassen | March 8, 2023 This month WorkSafeBC will implement new regulations for tower cranes in B.C. that will require the use of anti-collision/zoning systems. While news of this decision is welcomed by many in the industry, the timeline for bringing the equipment into compliance remains a top concern. Part one of this…

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Industry Perspectives Op-Ed: Is the industry ready for new anti-collision regulations for B.C. tower cranes?

Journal of Commerce | Mark Klassen | March 1, 2023 This month WorkSafeBC will implement new regulations for tower cranes in B.C. that will require the use of anti-collision/zoning systems. While news of this decision is welcomed by many in the industry, the timeline for bringing the equipment into compliance remains a top concern. Part one of…

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Silica control tool strengthened for roadbuilding users

Journal of Commerce | Jean Sorensen | February 24, 2023 Strides have been made over the past several years to strengthen the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) silica control tool for the roadbuilding sector with more industry data contributed. Dawson Construction, part of the Kamloops’ Dawson Group, has been supplying data to the tool after the company…

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BCIT aims to bring youth into construction with new ACE microcredential program

Journal of Commerce | Evan Saunders | February 24, 2023 With retirement set to be the biggest cause of labour loss in the coming years, it is more important than ever to ensure young people know about opportunities in the construction industry. And the British Columbia Institute of Technology is looking to give students that exposure with its new…

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WorkSafeBC Update on Certification of Recognition (COR) Program

WorkSafeBC would like to provide an update on proposed improvements to the Certification of Recognition (COR) program, which includes the gradual implementation of a new single, scalable occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) audit standard.   After considering feedback from stakeholders and reviewing current priorities for our organization, WorkSafeBC has decided to put their implementation plans…

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Eat & Greet Langley

The BC Constructions Safety Alliance (BCCSA) would like to invite you and your employees to join them for our Eat & Greet Event on Wednesday March 1, 2023 at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre Langley, for an evening of food, drink, and the opportunity to meet and interact with the BCCSA’s executive team, board of…

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ICBA survey: 80 per cent of employers cannot find enough workers

Journal of Commerce | Evan Saunders | January 25, 2023 The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) annual Wage and Benefits Survey is hitting home the message that B.C. employers are finding it increasingly difficult to fill the growing labour void. According to the survey, 80 per cent of employers said they cannot find enough workers and nearly…

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Roof collapse injury can’t stop Cole Bernier from inspiring others

Journal of Commerce | Peter Caulfield | January 24, 2023 In September 2015, on what had been an otherwise ordinary workday, a roof collapsed on Cole Bernier, a 23-year-old carpenter’s apprentice in Kelowna, B.C.   In a split second, Bernier’s life changed forever. The young man sustained significant injuries, including broken vertebrae, a punctured lung and…

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Construction leaders anticipate labour shortages, higher wages in 2023: ICBA

Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | January 18, 2023 SURREY, B.C. — Construction companies are anticipating labour shortages, historic wage increases and red tape frustration in 2023, according to a recent survey from the British Columbia Independent Contractors and Businesses Association. “The shortage of people is intensifying as Canada continues to go over a demographic…

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