Get Site Ready

If you are new to working in construction and looking to build your career, safety is vital to your journey. No matter the type of work you do or the different sites you encounter, you need to work safely every step of the way.

So, what do you need to know when you are starting out on the job?

We’ll walk you through what to expect in your first few days on site, emphasizing the critical role of safety training and awareness. From labourer to supervisor or safety professional, we’ll also outline your potential career progression and what to anticipate at each stage.

Orientation and Training

First of all, everyone has rights and responsibilities around safety at work. You have the right to know the hazards of your job, the right to participate in maintaining a safe workplace, the right to refuse unusually dangerous tasks and the right to work in a place free of harassment.

In your initial days, your employer should provide an in-depth orientation to familiarize you with essential safety protocols. This includes an overview of company rules and policies, emergency procedures, site-specific hazards, safe work practices, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and any training required for your role.

Safety training is key for a successful construction career. Interactive courses, hands-on sessions and informal meetings should cover the fundamentals of construction safety. Pay attention to these learning experiences – the knowledge you gain in these early days will stay with you throughout your working life.

You may also learn from a mentor or supervisor who will oversee your tasks while driving home the importance of safety. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – your supervisor is there to ensure you grasp the specifics of your job and know how to do it safely. Attend regular safety meetings, participate in toolbox talks and familiarize yourself with the safety culture of your workplace to ensure you are well-equipped to succeed.

Building Your Career

1. Laying the Groundwork

SCOT? (Safety Construction Orientation Training) is the essential course for anyone setting foot on a construction site in Saskatchewan. For work readiness in construction environments, everyone should have this training. Delivered on demand through the SCSA, SCOT? provides key information on workplace law, hazards, equipment, personal care and conduct, ladder and scaffold safety, fall protection, excavating and trenching, PPE, defensive driving and other topics necessary for construction roles. This course can be taken as a refresher every five years.

For most roles, you will benefit from taking training early on that addresses the more dangerous hazards and prepares you to work safely:

• Fall Protection & Prevention
• Confined Space Monitoring & Entry
• Asbestos Awareness and Vehicle Safety

In general, formal training at a post-secondary institution, regional college or technical institute will give you additional skills, awareness and direction. Apprenticeships and specialized training programs can deepen your understanding of specific trades while providing advanced safety knowledge. Certifications in areas such as scaffolding, welding or electrical work will enhance your skill set and further your safety expertise.

2. Leading Others

Some schools require their graduates to complete training in Leadership for Safety Excellence , which covers supervisor duties, responsibilities and role in providing a safe and healthy workplace. If you are looking to move into a supervisor position, you’ll need to take this two-day course to understand Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health & Safety regulations. You’ll also learn how to perform hazard assessments, worksite inspections, incident investigations, workplace training and communication.

Becoming a supervisor means you are responsible for not only your safety but also the safety of your team. Supervisors emphasize the importance of safety protocols, conduct regular safety briefings and ensure everyone on the team is well-informed and prepared to do their jobs well.

3. Going Pro on Safety

Becoming a safety professional may be a further step to consider in your career. Specializing in safety draws on your industry experience and allows you to stay on site, but usually comes with better hours and fewer physical demands. As a safety officer or safety manager, you'll be responsible for creating and implementing safety policies, conducting audits and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO?) designation requires at least three years of field experience. The program consists of intensive training in topics such as safety management, leadership, auditing, basic training techniques, fall protection, confined spaces and safety administration. As an NCSO, you have the skills to oversee a company’s health and safety management system, review and identify various health and safety issues on work sites and communicate effectively with others.

Conclusion

Whether you are a labourer, supervisor or leader, safety should be your expectation – not an afterthought.

From your first days on the job, your safety association is there to support you every step of the way with essential training courses, certification programs, resources and advice. If you keep safety at the forefront, the skills and awareness you cultivate in your early days will help ensure your well-being and lead to other work opportunities.

Stay engaged, seek out additional training and connect with others in your field. Learning from the experiences of others is invaluable. If you commit to continuous learning, you will gain the right knowledge and skills for a successful, injury-free career.

To learn more about the SCSA visit scsaonline.ca