Canadian Occupational Safety

7 2019 JUNE/JULY B.C. construction industry introduces work site conduct standards T he government of Brit- ish Columbia and the BC Construction Association (BCCA) have introduced the Builders Code, a program that aims to address B.C.'s skilled labour shortage by reducing inappropriate behaviour on construction sites. The Builders Code expands the definition of safety beyond physical hazards to include stress or distraction caused by discrimi- nation, bullying, hazing or harassment. The code seeks to eliminate behaviour on construction work sites that negatively affects the job performance, pro- ductivity, health, well-being and safety of workers. The Builders Code pilot program will highlight the business and safety implications of work site behav- iour and provide employers with the tools they need to improve retention, including a pledge poster that employers can sign and post on the job site. "Hazing, bullying and harassment of any employee or co-worker is unacceptable, and being one of the first companies in B.C. to sign the Builders Code Worksite Pledge is our way of reaffirming to every- one on our job sites that safety is our first priority," said Paul Hill, president, Houle Electric in Burnaby, B.C. Other free resources include model human resources poli- cies, acceptable work site posters and advice from experts with experience in HR management. Training is also being developed for HR, union business manag- ers, site super visors, foremen and executives. "When it comes to changing the face of leadership in any sector, changing the mindset of the cur- rent leadership is especially important," said Tina Strehlke, CEO of the Minerva Foundation of B.C. BCCA said the Builders Code will be a valuable asset for contractors looking for competitive ways to attract and retain skilled tradespeople at a time when B.C. faces a skills shortage and when tradeswomen comprise only 4.7 per cent of the skilled workforce. Although women, youth and other equity-seeking groups are entering construction trades at a higher rate than in the past, retention rates remain low. First year retention rates for women apprentices have anecdotally been estimated at less than 50 per cent. By comparison, first year retention rates for men are estimated at 70 per cent. The project's goal is to see B.C.'s skilled work- force comprised of 10 per cent tradeswomen by 2028, a standard not yet achieved by any province in Canada. This would equate to adding another 9,500 women into the skilled trades in B.C.'s con- struction industry. By using the Builders Code tools and resources, construction employers can address inappropri- ate work site behaviour in order to improve work site safety and reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents across the province, said Brian Erickson, interim president and CEO, and senior vice-presi- dent, finance and IT and the CFO for WorkSafeBC. He added that employers, supervisors and workers all share the responsibility to prevent workplace bul- lying and harassment. "For too long, behaviour that isn't tolerated else- where has been tolerated on construction work sites," said Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner-operator of Westcom Plumbing and Gas in Sooke, B.C. "Thank- fully, employers will now have the tools they need to address such issues and will see from top employers who sign the pledge that operating by the Builders Code isn't just the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense." All Newfoundland workers to be covered by PTSD presumption T he Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced amendments to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compen- sation Act that would provide presumptive coverage for work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for all workers. The changes, if passed, would come into effect July 1 and mean that a worker who expe- riences a traumatic event or multiple events at work will be presumed to have developed their diagnosed PTSD as a result of their work. "With this new legislation, our government is recognizing the impacts that a workplace can have on any worker, in any occupation. Presumptive coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder will benefit many individuals who may have previously suffered in silence," said Premier Dwight Ball. "We are not only recognizing the existence of PTSD in the workplace through this legislation, but also furthering the dialogue on mental health awareness." The diagnosis must be made by a psychiatrist or registered psycholo- gist using the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This progressive legislation would simplify the claim process and allow the workers' compensation system to help injured workers receive the assistance they need earlier. This will lead to better outcomes in improving the worker's overall health and well-being, as well as options for returning to work when appropriate, the government said. "Our government continues to modernize its approach to work-related mental health injuries. Presumptive coverage is a progressive response to today's workplaces," said Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL Sherry Gambin-Walsh. "With this change, we are helping workers access wage loss and health-care benefits when they develop PTSD, following workplace trauma. It is important we continue to help employers build supportive environments to help reduce the risk of mental health injuries at work." WorkplaceNL's injur y fund is fully-funded at 131.6 per cent, as of Dec. 31, 2017. The cost of presumptive PTSD coverage will be reflected in employer assessment rates over time, the provincial government said. If the amendments are passed, Newfoundland would join Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which also offer have presumptive PTSD coverage for any worker in any occupation with a diagnosis who has been exposed to a trau- matic event at work. 2019-05-01 A+A 2019_Kanada_Allgemein_108 x 184_Canadian Occupational Safety_4c_7235 Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. Your contact: Stefan Egge 480 University Avenue _ Suite 1500 _ Toronto _ Ontario _ M5G 1V2 Tel.: (416) 598-1524 _ Fax: (416) 598-1840 E-mail: messeduesseldorf@germanchamber.ca For Travel Information: LM Travel /Carlson Wagonlit Tel: 1-888-371-6151 _ Fax: 1-866-880-1121 E-mail: ahoule@vovagelm.ca AplusA-online.com The future of work begins where people matter. The working world has never experienced such dynamic change. A s the world's No. 1 trade show for the sector, A+A offers the best possible over view of developments in occupational health and safet y. Around 1,900 exhibitors from more than 60 countries contribute their products, solutions and ideas to making work safer, healthier and more efficient. Because: PEOPLE MATTER. NOV EMBER 5 - 8, 2019. DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY

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