Hard Hat News November 2025 Edition

BC's Construction Health & Safety Association

In this issue: BC Construction Health and Safety Conference draws big crowds at new location, BCCSA pioneers Peer Support Recovery Navigator program, safety training spaces are still available, and Ask an RSA looks at ladders

BC Construction Health and Safety Conference continues to engage at new location

The BCCSA’s BC Construction Health and Safety Conference, held on October 23^rd and 24^th, drew a crowd of 300 attendees at its new and larger location, the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam. Safety advocate Candace Carnahan and communication strategist Pamela Barnum shared keynote duties at the conference, while additional sessions addressed psychological health, and strategies to build recovery-inclusive workplaces using the BCCSA’s Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) program. Attendees also enjoyed the expanded and sold-out trade show. Watch this space for news on next year’s conference!

BCCSA Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) Program attracts significant support from construction industry

October 3^rd marked the first session of the pioneering Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) Program, a BCCSA initiative developed in partnership with national education expert Dr. Paul Farnan. The session saw 10 participants trained to offer early, confidential, peer-based intervention to their co-workers before personal substance use challenges can escalate into safety risks, incidents, or lost time. If you’re an employer or worker interested in the PSRN program, learn more here and register for the next PSRN Education and Training Day on December 08, 2025.

It’s not too late to register for BCCSA’s most popular safety training courses

The end of the year is approaching rapidly, but you can still register for BCCSA training in November if you sign up now. There are seats available for Asbestos Level 2 Practical Assessment, Construction Safety Legislation & Administration, COR^® Internal Auditor, Leadership for Safety Excellence^®, Principles of Injury Management, Train the Safety Trainer, and WHMIS 2015 Train the Trainer. Register today to reserve your space.

“Ask an RSA” answers your questions about ladder safety

In this issue, our Regional-Safety-Advisor-of-the-month offers guidance on working with ladders while remaining compliant with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulations. Got a safety question? Email an RSA at: rsa@bccsa.ca.

Until December!

As always, we welcome your feedback!

Thank you for joining us at the

2025 BC Construction Health and Safety Conference!

That’s a wrap on the 2025 BC Construction Health & Safety Conference!

Two incredible days filled with learning, connection, and inspiration — bringing together industry leaders, safety professionals, and innovators who share one goal: building safer, healthier workplaces across B.C.

A huge thank-you to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who joined us at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam. Your passion and dedication make this event possible every year.

Substance use and mental health challenges can impact every construction site—affecting safety, morale, and productivity. The Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) Program, developed by the BCCSA in partnership with Dr. Paul Farnan, helps companies take action early by providing free, workplace-based support.

Through customized training, Peer Support Recovery Navigators—your own team members with lived or learned experience—offer confidential guidance and help connect coworkers to professional resources. This innovative, no-cost program empowers your team, strengthens workplace culture, and promotes lasting recovery and resilience across BC’s construction industry..

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