Scott Construction won a Builders Code Champion Award for its efforts to support workers’ mental health, which include forming a mental health committee. On average, each year, around one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health challenge or illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Motivated by the desire to support […]
The practice of mindfulness can help us navigate times of uncertainty. A Vancouver counsellor describes how it benefits us at work and in the rest of life. In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Practising mindfulness during times of uncertainty like this can be a helpful […]
The “Cool or Tool?” app raises construction workers’ awareness of what is and isn’t acceptable workplace conduct. It’s fun and takes only two minutes a day. B.C.’s construction industry employs about 250,000 workers, including labourers and skilled tradespeople. In March 2019, several industry partners collaborated to launch the Builders Code, an initiative that provides B.C.’s […]
Today’s labour shortage means workers have lots of employers to choose from. Employers with good health and safety programs are more likely to attract them. Attracting qualified workers is a challenge for many industries today. Recently I spoke with Lisa McGuire, CEO of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance (the Alliance), about what this challenge looks like […]
Occupational health and safety can be overwhelming for many small businesses. Small Business BC helps steer them in the right direction. A June 2019 story in Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine describes how small business owners across Canada often don’t know where to start when it comes to workplace health and safety. Here in B.C., 98 […]
Here’s some advice for parents on talking to your kids about safety at work. Start the conversation early and encourage them to ask questions. I’m sure we’ve all seen (and maybe been) little kids who love watching construction workers use big machines. Today my son is nearly an adult, but in the past we watched […]
B.C.’s motion picture industry unions are making it easier for workers and their families to access anonymous support for mental health and addictions. In any given year, one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Compassion, understanding, and support can make […]
The annual Cone Zone campaign reminds drivers to slow down, pay attention. This year’s campaign kicks off in May and will run until the end of the summer. The Cone Zone is a workplace for thousands of B.C. workers. These workers include traffic control persons, road maintenance workers, utility workers, emergency crews, law enforcement personnel, […]
Dr. Delia Roberts studies how nutrition can prevent injuries at work. She found that workers who change their diets can improve performance that very day. Drink more water. Eat less sugar. That’s part of what Health Canada recommends in its updated food guide. This made me think of and reach out to Dr. Delia Roberts, […]
The BC First Responders’ Mental Health Committee promotes positive mental health by reducing stigma and providing best practices, education, and tools. Paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders do a job like none other and are the people we call when we need help. But by now we’ve all seen media stories about first […]
