Leveling The Playing Field

The skilled labour shortage in BC is no secret its been making headlines for some time now as construction companies struggle to attract and retain employees.

But commercial construction businesses are not the only ones affected by the labour shortage. Homeowners are also feeling the pinch.

The labour shortage in BC means some homeowners are trying to do home renovations themselves, or theyre hiring unqualified people to do the work for them, said Pearse Walsh, Leader, Business Development for the British Columbia Safety Authority, an independent organization that provides essential safety services to business, industry and the general public. This is a concern for us when it involves gas and electrical work, which can pose the greatest safety risks.

The Safety Authoritys new Heads Up for Safety campaign is educating homeowners about the need to hire contractors licensed by the BC Safety Authority and to ensure the necessary permits are obtained, which, for renovations involving regulated gas and electrical work, are required by law.

The campaign features local radio and newspaper advertising illustrating the absurdity of parents making everyday safety equipment, such as car seats and helmets, for their children, and poses the question, You wouldnt make your childs helmet (or car seat) would you?

The Safety Authority also now lists licensed gas and electrical contractors on its website, www.safetyauthority.ca, and is asking homeowners to visit the site to verify the contractor they are considering is licensed. Homeowners can also call the Safety Authority at 1-866-566-SAFE.

We know there are contractors out there who arent licensed and dont get permits, Walsh said. This campaign helps us support legitimate contractors by informing homeowners how to verify if their contractor is licensed and what to ask the contractor about permits. Its levelling the playing field.

In the Okanagan Valley, where the campaign was launched in March as a pilot program, many contractors have taken the extra step by giving potential new customers the Safety Authoritys campaign brochure when they quote a job for a homeowner.

It signals to the homeowner that the contractor is properly licensed and that the job will be permitted, continued Walsh. It lets the homeowner know the contractor they are considering takes his or her legal and professional obligations and the homeowners safety seriously.

For copies of the brochure visit your local BC Safety Authority office, or call toll free 1-866-566-SAFE.