The Builders Code was launched in March, 2019. Funded through the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement (BC-LMDA) and the Sector Labour Market Partnership Program (SLMP), it brings together an influential group of collaborating partners led by the BC Construction Association to set a standard code of conduct for workers on construction sites in BC.

The Builders Code defines an “Acceptable Worksite” as the starting point for reducing risk and ensuring a safe and productive environment for all workers, intended to help construction employers communicate a reasonable, consistent behaviour expectation to improve safety, productivity and retention of skilled tradespeople, and reduce project risk.

With a projected skilled workforce shortage of approximately 7,900 by 2028, it has perhaps never been more important to attract and retain more women and other equity seeking groups to the construction trades.

In this session you will learn about:

• What is the Builders Code?
• How it’s been designed to “fix the system, not the women”
• The expanded definition of safety - moving beyond just physical hazards and PPE
• The free tools and resources that are available to employers via the Builders Code program
• The results to date and the ultimate goals of the Builders Code

In April 2016, the Provincial Health Officer of British Columbia declared the overdose crisis a public health emergency. Since the emergency was declared, over 4,000 British Columbians have died from an illegal drug overdose. A number of reports have shown that those who were employed in construction have been disproportionately impacted by overdose.

This session will review:

• Who is impacted by the overdose crisis
• Why are those working in construction disproportionately impacted
• What are the signs of an overdose
• What are overdose-related supports available
• What can worksites do to prevent overdose and overdose-related harms