b'WORKSAFEBCwill. But that mindset can lead1. MAKING SAFETY NON-NEGOTIABLE Beyondtechnicalskills,supervisors to shortcuts, especially aroundNon-complianceshouldbeaddressedalso benefit from leadership training that fall protection, and it can quietlyconsistentlybyemployers.Researchhelpsthemcommunicateexpectations, shape how newer, younger crewshowsthatwhenexpectationsaroundguideteamsandcreateaccountability members view safety. fallprotectionareclear,consistentlyonsite.Cleardirectiononsupervisor New and young workers:reinforced and modelled by leadership,responsibilitiesalong with consistentInexperienced workers may notit helps create a culture where safety ismessaging about expectationssets the recognize hazards or understandthe norm.foundation for effective supervision.their right to refuse unsafe work,Using fall protection isnt optional Its also important to recognize that especially when facing languageits a core part of doing the job safely,supervisors are workers too. They need barriers or limited training. saysKidd.WorkSafeBCregulationssupport,oversightandopportunities forfeedback,justlikeanyotherteam Site-specific risks and incon- mandatefall-protectionsystemswhen sistent planning: Fall protec- theres a risk of falling three metres ormember.Ensuringthatsupervisors tion needs vary from site to site,more, or at any time if a fall could resultare being guided and monitored helps depending on the layout, tasksin injury.maintain consistency across crewsand and environmental conditions.strengthens the overall safety culture.When site-specific hazards arent2. TRAINING AND WorkSafeBC offers an online safetyproperly assessed and addressedSUPPORTING SUPERVISORS course for supervisors, equipping them in advance, it can lead to gaps inSupervisors play a critical role in iden- with the tools to promote and enforce fall protectionand increased risk tifyinghazardsandenforcingsafetyworkplace health and safety. Participants for workers. protocolsbuttheyneedtherightreceive a certificate upon completion. training and support to lead effectively.FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION Supervisorsmusthaveboththe3. PROVIDING GEARAND Turning awareness into action requiresauthorityandtheknowledgetostopMAKING IT EASY TO USEconsistent leadership and clear expecta- unsafe work, says Kidd. Especially forWorkersarefarmorelikelytouse tions from employers and supervisors.newersupervisors,ongoingeducationfallprotectionifitsreadilyavailable. Practical steps include: is crucial. Employers should ensure that every site Falls from heights are a leading cause of serious injuries to construction workers in B.C.Make sure you and your workers have the proper training, fall protection, and equipment to stay safe on the jobsite.Find resources atworksafebc.com/fallswww.rcabc.orgl15'