Ahead of its safety conference this week, the Alberta Construction Safety Association is highlighting the need to address worker safety, especially for those just starting out.

It says more than 55 percent of all Workers’ Compensation Board claims in construction are injuries to first-year workers. It comes at a time of high demand for construction workers, and there aren’t enough to go around.

Mark Hoosein, executive director of the Alberta Construction Safety Association, told CBC Edmonton AM that these workers are usually very young.

“They’re vulnerable because they’re trying to make a name for themselves,” Hoosein said.

“They’re trying to do a good job. And sometimes they just want to make sure they’re doing a really good effort without taking the time to potentially ask questions.”

Worker injuries in general are down in albertaand Hoosein attributes this in part to COR certification, a health and safety management system. He says uptake of the national program has been highest in Alberta.

But Hoosein said he can always improve. Especially in light of the current labor crisis.

“There is a lot of work to be done and apparently fewer and fewer workers.”

Carolyn Glavine, co-owner of the Alberta Construction Training Institute, said mentorship is essential, but many of the industry’s seasoned experts are retiring or leaving.

“We’re losing that with young people. So they need to have more mentoring once they get to work to put their training into practice appropriately.”

Glavine said that in their training courses, instructors tend to spend a little more time with newcomers to the industry, spending time operating the equipment side by side.

“We take the time to get it right and make sure they have a clear understanding.”

Security as a selling point

Hoosein said the labor shortage provides an opportunity to be an employer of choice by showing a greater commitment to safety.

“It’s really a value-add once you take the initial step.”

While many large corporations have rigorous safety standards, Hoosein said smaller employers may need additional help.

“When you’re a smaller employer, you really focus on getting the job done. You really focus on the day-to-day,” he said, adding that the association provides resources to help those employers.

The Alberta Construction Safety Association also highlights mental health needs for the industry. According to Stats Canada, at least a third of construction workers struggle with their mental health.

Terry Parker, executive director of the Building Trades of Alberta, said addressing mental health is also part of improving overall safety.

“We believe that people who have good mental health are more focused at work,” Parker said.

“I know there is a lot of stress in the industry, a lot of people are going through a lot and we are putting a lot of programs in place to make sure our members get the assistance they need.”