BC Health and Safety Conference Highlights Crane Safety and Substance Recovery Initiatives

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The 2026 BC Health and Safety Conference focused on crane safety and the Peer Support Recovery Navigator program aimed at addressing substance use challenges in the construction industry.

The 2026 BC Health and Safety Conference recently showcased a diverse range of presentations, including a significant discussion on crane safety titled "Beyond Certification: Strengthening Crane Safety Across the Industry." This presentation was delivered by Jen Mutas, field Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) manager, and Trenton Grover, field OHS adviser from BC Crane Safety. They emphasized that the organization's responsibilities extend well beyond merely certifying crane operators in British Columbia and the Yukon. According to Mutas, there are approximately 13,000 crane operators in British Columbia, operating across 11 different types of cranes. BC Crane Safety has engaged with over 50 industries that utilize cranes, collaborating closely with regulators, crane operators, owners, and government bodies. The organization is currently pursuing ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation to further enhance its credibility and operational standards.
In another notable presentation, Dr. Paul Farnan, an addiction and occupational medicine physician, discussed "The Peer Support Recovery Navigator Story, the Science Behind It, and Why Construction Needs Safety to Lead the Next Cultural Shift." Dr. Farnan highlighted a pressing issue within the construction industry: the prevalence of substance use challenges. He noted that construction workers face higher rates of substance use problems compared to many other sectors. It is estimated that one in ten workers may be in various stages of recovery from substance abuse, with the challenges often remaining hidden from view. Dr. Farnan remarked that for most workers on construction sites in B.C., the most significant safety risks stem from alcohol and cannabis use. He pointed out that heavy drinking rates among full-time construction workers are nearly twice that of the general population. While opioid-related deaths represent a tragic aspect of this issue, many of these fatalities occur at home rather than on the job site, often involving individuals who were not actively working at the time of their death.
Dr. Farnan framed the substance use challenge as both a safety issue and a human one. In response to these challenges, he developed the Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) program at the BC Construction Safety Alliance. This initiative aims to guide construction workers seeking help into suitable recovery programs. Research conducted by Farnan revealed that construction workers facing substance use issues often prefer not to approach their supervisors for assistance. Instead, they seek someone on their crew who understands their situation. To address this need, the PSRN program trains co-workers to become navigators. These navigators provide a confidential support system for workers, allowing them to share their struggles before escalating the matter to management or HR. Some navigators are in recovery themselves, while others have experienced substance use challenges through family members or simply possess a genuine desire to help.
The role of a PSRN is not that of a counselor; rather, they listen and offer hope while helping connect workers or their family members to appropriate resources. Dr. Farnan stated that the program signifies a safe avenue for seeking help. The PSRN initiative is accessible to all individuals within the construction industry in B.C., including foremen, safety personnel, and trades workers. Since its inception in 2025, 125 navigators from 84 different organizations across the province have been trained, with the most recent group beginning their training on November 5, 2026. Dr. Farnan emphasized that entering a recovery program should be viewed as the expected outcome rather than the exception, asserting that most individuals with serious substance use issues can eventually overcome their challenges.
He explained that recovery is not a singular event but rather a process of rebuilding health, relationships, purpose, and work life. One of the most significant barriers to recovery is not the treatment itself but rather the accompanying feelings of shame, fear of job loss, and the concern about reintegrating into a crew that may not know how to support them. Dr. Farnan highlighted the importance of the workplace environment in facilitating recovery, noting that work can be a crucial anchor during this process. Overcoming silence, stigma, and fear surrounding the discussion of substance use challenges is vital.
Research indicates that being part of a recovery community accelerates the healing process. Dr. Farnan described a recovery community as a collective of individuals working towards recovery together, which can include mutual-help groups, recovery cafés, or supportive teams on job sites where open discussions about recovery are encouraged. He noted that the visibility of recovery can inspire hope, citing the impact of a respected journeyman's openness about their recovery journey on a young apprentice's perception of what is achievable.
The 2026 BC Health and Safety Conference attracted an estimated 300 attendees and marked the 20th anniversary of this annual event. Ammar Kavazovic, the director of programs and initiatives at the BC Construction Safety Alliance, expressed satisfaction with the conference's success, noting excellent attendance, positive feedback from attendees, and a seamless execution of the event. Plans are already underway for the next BC Health and Safety Conference, scheduled for October 28 to 29, 2027.

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