Over half of workers compensation claims in Alberta construction are 1st-year workers

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 over 55 per cent of all Workers' Compensation Board claims in construction are injuries for first-year workers. It comes during a time of huge demand for construction workers — and not enough to go around.

Mark Hoosein, CEO of the Alberta Construction Safety Association, told CBC's Edmonton AM that these workers are often very young.

"They're vulnerable because they're trying to make a name for themselves," Hoosein said.

"They're trying to get good work done. And sometimes they just want to make sure that they put forward a very good effort without taking the time to potentially ask questions."

Worker injuries overall are down in Alberta, and Hoosein attributes that in part with COR certification, a health and safety management system. He says the uptake for the national program has been highest in Alberta.

But Hoosein said it can always get better. Especially in light of an ongoing labour crunch.

"There's a lot of work to be done and seemingly fewer and fewer workers."

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

"We're losing that with the young people. So they need to have more mentorship once they get to the job to put their training into action properly."

Glavine said in their training courses, instructors tend to take a little bit more time with industry newcomers — putting in the time to do equipment operation side by side.

"We take the time to do that right, make sure that they have a clear understanding."

Safety as a selling point

Hoosein said labour shortages provide an opportunity to be an employer of choice by showing a greater commitment to safety. 

"It's really a value add once you make that initial step."

While many big corporations have rigorous safety standards, Hoosein said smaller employers might need extra help.

"When you're a smaller employer, you're really concentrating on getting work done. You're really concentrating on the day-to-day," he said, adding that the association provides resources to help those employers.

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

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

"We feel that people that have good mental health out there are more focused on the job," Parker said.

"I know there's lots of stresses in the industry, a lot of individuals going through a lot of things, and we are putting on a lot of programs in order to make sure our members have the assistance needed."