By Mandy Vocke

Construction leaders given tools to address worksite harassment, hazing and bullying

Apr 18, 2019 | 9:21 AM

PRINCE GEORGE—  A new province-wide construction training program launched in Prince George yesterday (April 18).

It’s part of the new Builders Code which aims to improve worksite culture and tackle harassment, hazing and bullying by providing training for construction company owners, executives and HR managers. The training program was announced by Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) CEO Scott Bone.

Most of the province’s 25,000 construction employers operate without all the policies, skills or resources which define and promote an acceptable workplace culture. Leaders can underestimate the financial impacts from turnover, lost time to accidents, injury-related health care costs, legal actions, rehiring costs, and workforce productivity issues resulting from culture challenges on the worksite.

The new Builders Code training program is a one-day workshop where participants explore issues such as the nature and impact of unacceptable worksite conduct and how to enable and encourage an acceptable worksite culture. The workshop sessions focus on the role and responsibility of corporate leaders and HR managers. The training was developed by experienced training providers in partnership with project partners including BCCA, the Industry Training Authority (ITA), WorkSafeBC, and the Minerva Foundation of BC.

“Our association recognizes the labour challenges our industry faces and understands that improving the culture on jobsites could play an important role in helping our employers retain the skilled tradespeople they need,” Bone said. “The turnout for today’s celebration of Construction Month is a reflection of the strength of our growing industry and the pride we take in helping build a better B.C. Today’s event also demonstrates how our members are committed to professional development and best practices through innovative programs like the Builders Code.”

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Six Prince George employers stepped forward at yesterday’s event to become among the first in B.C. to sign up for the Builders Code workshops for owners and executives, including Viking Construction, ARMTEC, WestCana, Houle Electric and RF Klien & Sons.

“The fact is, there is no place for harassment, hazing or bullying in society these days, especially on a jobsite,” CEO at RF Klein & Sons Cory Klien says. “For us, progressive leadership means taking advantage of the latest training on these issues to make sure they don’t become a problem on our jobsites.”

 The event also saw 31 employers sign the Builders Code Acceptable Worksite Pledge, publicly affirming their commitment to providing a worksite free of harassment, hazing or bullying.