BCCSA Launches Construction Safety Program

Jan 13, 2021 - 4 years ago

SiteReadyBC, the first construction site safety orientation program built in BC specifically for the province’s construction employers, launched this summer.
Created by the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA), the program is already showing encouraging enrollment and widespread industry adoption. The new online education program was launched in mid-July to replace the formerly used CSTS-09 and any other certifications designed to instruct workers on construction site safety requirements.
SiteReadyBC was designed to provide the most up-to-date content covering BC laws and regulations, worker rights and responsibilities, an employer’s responsibilities, the role of a supervisor, expectations of worksite behaviour, identifying and controlling workplace hazards, personal protective equipment, and the use of common tools. The program performs double duty, simultaneously certifying workers under Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015), which governs the identification of controlled products. The course is also designed to help employers meet their obligations under OHSR Part 3.23, which requires them to provide vital safety information to new and young workers.
“We didn’t want to wait until COVID-19 was entirely in the rearview mirror before our launch,” says Mike McKenna, executive director, BCCSA. “There was a demonstrated need for the program and we felt that this launch date offered an excellent opportunity for workers to become certified as they anticipate a robust industry recovery going forward.”
At the end of August, more than 500 people had registered for SiteReadyBC, exceeding the Alliance’s expectations.
“We’ve also seen SiteReadyBC become mandatory for all workers employed through British Columbia Infrastructure Benefits and for other major projects and employers,” says McKenna. “We’re very encouraged by the initial reception and response.”
The program is designed to evolve along with the needs of employers and reflect the feedback of students who have completed the certification, says Erin Linde, director, health and safety services, with BCCSA.
“In addition to uptake by employers, we feel that the course will continue to demonstrate traction with individuals,” says Linde. “This could include people who are looking to find employment in the construction industry for the first time, those who want to upgrade their skills so they can qualify to be employed on projects where SiteReadyBC is mandatory, and workers who are returning to the industry after an absence and want to update themselves on safety orientation.”
BC Road Builders are part of BCCSA’s SiteReadyBC affiliate program, and you can find the course listed under the Training section of BCRB’s website.
Learn more about BCCSA at www.bccsa.ca.

Source: BCCSA