Here are the BCCSA’s top highlights of 2023
As November gives way to December, we’re all looking forward to the holidays. But it’s also a time when we begin to reflect on the year that’s drawing to a close. Here are a half-dozen BCCSA highlights from 2023, selected by our staff.
Asbestos Competency Training
Under Research, Development and Opportunity (RDO) funding, the BCCSA developed an Asbestos Control Training (ACT) certification program to meet new regulatory requirements brought forward under Bill 5 from the BC Ministry of Labour, in conjunction with WorkSafeBC, and industry stakeholders. As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia, and anyone performing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory safety training and obtain certificates. BCCSA Asbestos Control Training helps employers and workers meet those requirements.
The Certified Concrete Pump Operator (CCPO) program
The BCCSA conducted extensive outreach over 3 years to prepare industry for the pending regulation, going into effect on January 1, 2024, which will require that anyone the operates a concrete pump must be competency certified by January 1, 2024. This year, BCCSA ramped up outreach, including one-on-one calls from BCCSA’s Regional Safety Advisors (RSAs) to concrete pumping companies and stakeholders. As of December 1, the CCPO program has certified more than 200 operators.
The BC Construction Health and Safety Conference
Held October 19th and 20th at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel in Vancouver, the conference was attended by more than 225 people who enjoyed a high-energy program and a sold-out trade show.
Construction Safety & Substance Use: Blueprint for Action in BC
Funded under the RDO program, the Blueprint for Action was a joint effort by the BCCSA and the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction at Simon Fraser University to study the impact alcohol and other drugs on construction workers in British Columbia. The landmark study will be used to devise evidence-based programs and training to target substance use disorders.
The BCCSA Regional Safety Advisor program
This year, the BCCSA expanded the number of RSAs serving employers in the province to seven and assigned one RSA exclusively to the Interior and Kootenay region.
Event outreach
The BCCSA fielded a busy event schedule this year, including two member Eat & Greet events, one in Langley and another in Kelowna.
The BCCSA was also represented at numerous conferences and shows, including the BC Natural Resources Forum, the Build the North Conference, the Construction Expo, the Western Conference on Safety, the Northern BC Home & Garden Show, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior Dinner Meeting, the WorkSafeBC Prevention Conference, the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, and the Canadian Concrete Expo.
In addition, the BCCSA sponsored several events, including the British Columbia Construction Association’s Construction Month, the Skills Canada BC provincial safety competition, and the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s Construction Leadership Forum.
With one month to go, what are your highlights for 2023?
Until next issue, we wish you a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2024.
