SICA to host new Builders Code training sessions

KELOWNA, B.C. – The B.C. Builders Code is taking its anti-bullying message to the British Columbia interior.

The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) will host Builders Code training for site supervisors, forepersons and union business managers on dealing with worksite bullying and harassment training starting Sept. 26. SICA is the first regional construction association to host the training.

“We’re pleased to be hosting the first training in B.C. for site supervisors, forepersons and union business managers. Our members benefitted greatly from the workshops for company owners, executives and HR managers, with several of them, like Team Construction and CorWest Builders, going on to reinforce their commitment to acceptable worksites by signing the Builders Code Pledge, and other members signing up for additional individual company presentations and workshops,” SICA CEO Jason Henderson said.

Henderson said training will be held in Kelowna on Sept. 26 and Castlegar on Oct. 10 with a separate session for company owners, executives and HR managers in Castlegar on Sept. 19^th.

The training covers issues such as the impact and nature of unacceptable workplace conduct, building and maintaining workplace culture, roles and responsibilities of leadership, and dealing with complainants and those whom they are reporting.

The B.C. Builders Code was introduced on International Women’s Day (March 8) as a resource for tools, training and resources to help companies define acceptable worksite conduct. The code is co-funded by the B.C. ministry of advanced education, skills and training and financial contributions from the BC Construction Association, WorkSafeBC, the Industry Training Authority (ITA), LNG Canada, the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and the BC Construction Safety Alliance. Workshops were developed by the BCCA, the ITA, WorkSafeBC and the Minerva Foundation of BC.

The code provides employers with downloadable policies and posters, employer advisors, scorecards and awards, and onsite and online training for personnel. A crew training app is also planned. 

“As the construction personnel that work most closely with tradespeople on B.C. worksites, site supervisors, forepersons and union business managers have a vital role to play in creating and maintaining a positive worksite culture and addressing any issues that may arise. Participating in these workshops will ensure they have the tools and training they need to not only resolve any issues in a positive manner but to ensure they don’t occur in the first place. I want to thank our regional partners for supporting the Builders Code and this valuable training, which will help us attract and retain the skilled people we need as our sector continues to thrive during this exciting period of growth,” BCCA president Chris Atchison said.

Veronica Scarpino, a partner in Winfield, B.C. based Sierra Landscaping, said the Builders Code will help her small business with employee training on proper conduct.

“As a small business in the construction industry without a dedicated human resources department, Sierra Landscaping will greatly benefit from the professional online resources and materials developed and made available through the program. The Builders Code is a fantastic educational tool that should go a long way to creating and reinforcing the type of work environments everyone involved can be proud of,” Scarpino said.