BCIB is actively recruiting and employing skilled trades workers as Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) Provincial Infrastructure projects move forward.
BCIB’s approach to managing COVID-19 remains current, reflects best practices, and is informed by recognized and accredited public and occupational health authorities, including the Office of Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer.
To support SARS-CoV-2 virus infection prevention on BCIB worksites, BCIB audits and monitors client contractor COVID-19 exposure control plan and practices to ensure they reflect Provincial regulatory and emergency measures requirements.
COVID-19 – WHAT BCIB IS DOING
BCIB engages both internal and external qualified health and safety occupational hygiene professionals for advice and instruction on matters related to COVID-19.
BCIB has always required the Contractor to meet or exceed a comprehensive health and safety program. With the additional hazard of COVID-19, BCIB now specifically reviews workplace exposure control plans (ECPs) on all project sites that fall under the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).
BCIB also has its own exposure control plan that instructs BCIB on-site representatives how to manage COVID-19 in workplaces including through the process of onboarding and orientation of new employees.
Furthermore, BCIB is in communication with the Allied Infrastructure Related Construction Council (AIRCC) – coordinating and sharing information related to safeguarding employees on job sites.
BCIB has on-site leads supporting the workforce in real time and on an ongoing basis.
BCIB is monitoring advice and recommendation from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, the BCCDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada and WorkSafeBC, as well as all applicable Provincial emergency orders.
OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT
To protect the health of our communities and keep them safe, BCIB has engaged with equity groups, employment organizations, and Indigenous communities to continue recruitment and outreach focusing on virtual means rather than in person events.
The majority of BCIB’s outreach and recruitment now occurs digitally across a variety of platforms, multiple social media channels, and the BCIB website, highlighting opportunities available for British Columbians on infrastructure projects. To participate in one of BCIB’s virtual information and recruitment sessions enroll online here.
COVID-19 AND CONSTRUCTION
Emergency Management BC, in consultation with other government ministries and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, has established that construction is an essential service. Essential services are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians come to rely on in their daily lives. You can find the full list of essential services here.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, advising employers to take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees on construction sites. Additionally, the Government of British Columbia provides COVID-19 Resources for Building Construction and Operations which can be found by clicking here.
External Resources
Government of British Columbia, COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
BC Centre for Disease Control, COVID-19