Welcome to 2025, updates for the Silica Control Tool^®, winter driving tips, call for conference speakers, CCPO certifications run red hot

Happy New Year 2025!

The BCCSA wishes a happy, safe and prosperous new year to all of its members and the workers they employ!

New functionality for the Silica Control Tool^®

The BCCSA’s Silica Control Tool^® (SCT) just keeps getting better with the addition of new activities for working with asphalt, street sweeping using a mechanical sweeper, and demolishing or removing ceramic tiles with hand tools or a rotary hammer. The SCT has also added local exhaust ventilation exposure control options, integrated into the tool, for concrete chipping and scarifying with a bush hammer. Thank you to the contractors who assisted us with collecting silica exposure data in support of these enhancements. Read story here.

Seven tips to brace yourself for winter driving

1. Check the current road conditions and weather forecast. Check local media and visit DriveBC.ca. 
2. Plan your route. Avoid roads that may become dangerous, and respect road closures.
3. Leave lots of time to reach your destination. Try to travel during daylight and consider delaying your trip if the weather is bad. Let someone know your route and ETA. 
4. Learn winter road skills. If you’re unfamiliar with winter driving and your job requires it, ask your employer for training — including how to brake safely, how to get out of a skid, and learning how your vehicle handles in winter weather. 
5. Maintain at least four seconds’ distance between you and the vehicle ahead. This will allow extra room if you need to brake suddenly on a slippery surface. 
6. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement while driving. Bring along warm clothing in case you need to leave your vehicle. 
7. Establish an emergency plan. If you’re stuck or stranded, stay with your vehicle. If you have a cell phone and it’s an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, call roadside assistance. 

Tips adapted from material published by Road Safety at Work.

Call for technical speakers for the 2025 BCCSA Construction Health and Safety Conference

Do you have what it takes to be a technical speaker at the 2025 BCCSA Construction Health and Safety Conference? We’re looking for speakers who can:

• Share expertise and technical insights in health and safety.
• Deliver engaging presentations on technical topics with clarity and impact.
• Offer practical insights, actionable strategies, and innovative solutions.
• Illuminate emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, or impactful case studies.

Tell us a little about yourself and the message you’d like to share and submit your speaker application here.

In this issue...

BCCSA’s CCPO program is working overtime to certify concrete pump operators

Assessors for the Certified Concrete Pump Operator program are working seven days a week to process practical assessments in light of the November 1^st, 2024 expiry date of provisional certificates authorized by WorkSafeBC. Read more about the effort here.

Until February...

As always, we welcome your feedback!

Updates on the Silica Tool®

Long days on the job site can take a toll on your body, but we’ve got you covered! Discover easy-to-follow stretches and exercises tailored specifically for construction workers like you.