The BC construction labour force is growing -training new hires to work safely is critical
Statistics Canada reports that, in March, the BC construction labour force posted the largest year-over-year growth in Canada, adding almost 25,000 workers. BuildForce Canada notes that many new hires are women. As of March, they accounted for 34% of annual construction labour force growth across the country. With so many new workers joining the construction field, safety training is critical.
In April, gold sponsor BCCSA helped acknowledge Construction Month 2023, a celebration of the BC construction industry’s contributions to the province. The event is organized by the British Columbia Construction Association and this year acknowledged employers, journeypersons, apprentices and trainers and the important role they play in apprenticeship training and the intergenerational transfer of skills.
The BCCSA used the Construction Month platform to promote its Certified Concrete Pump Operator (CCPO) program, which offers training through Concrete BC. On January 1, 2024, provincial regulations will require all concrete pump operators to be certified. Don’t be sidelined at the last minute — you can sign up for in-person and online training now for June 24 and September 23, with plenty of time to spare.
On April 27, the BCCSA presented a webinar titled Introduction to Exposure Control Plans (ECPs) for the Construction Industry. Offering a detailed overview of ECPs and instructions to develop them, the webinar was well attended by about 400 participants. Be on the lookout for more webinar offerings.
BC’s wildfire season officially began on April 1. The BC Wildfire Service reports that almost 70 wildfires have already been identified this year. The BCCSA offers wildfire resources to assist employers with developing a fire safety plan, and helping worksites to cope with wildfire smoke. You can also download the BC Wildfire Service mobile app from the App Store and Google Play. The app offers push notifications from the BC Wildfire Service Twitter feed and other current wildfire information.
Finally, meet Saida Pillay, who is leveraging her experience training airline flight attendants in her new role as a BCCSA Training Coordinator. Welcome aboard!
