Making Safety Simpler

BCCSA

Building Safely, Building Better

Integrating Peer Support Recovery Navigators (PSRNs) into the BC Construction Sector

Substance use and mental health challenges affect safety, morale, and productivity across BC construction sites, and existing workplace policies and healthcare supports often fall short, especially when early intervention is needed. The Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) Program, developed by the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) with recovery education expert Dr. Paul Farnan, provides a proactive, no-cost solution for employers. The program trains workers with lived or learned recovery experience to serve as Peer Support Recovery Navigators. The PSRN program helps workers provide confidential, peer-based, non-clinical support to coworkers who are experiencing substance use or recovery challenges, and helps connect them with recovery information, resources, and appropriate services.

For Construction Leaders: The ROI of a Recovery-Inclusive Workplace

Integrating PSRNs into your organization offers more than support; it's a proactive business strategy that provides tangible competitive advantage and strengthens your bottom line.

Business Benefit How the PSRN Program Delivers
Elevate Safety Culture PSRNs provide early, confidential, peer-based support before personal challenges escalate into safety risks, incidents, or lost time.
Increase Productivity & Retention By supporting workers on their personal recovery journey, companies foster deeper loyalty, reduce absenteeism, and decrease the costs associated with high turnover in a tight labour market.
Build a Competitive Recruitment Edge Companies can become an employer of choice by genuinely investing in employee well-being, and attracting and retaining the reliable, high-performing workers who are successfully and consistently managing their personal recovery journey.
Mitigate Operational Risk Proactively addressing substance-related challenges reduces the risk of serious incidents, site disruptions, and long-term disability claims.

What it Takes to Support a PSRN

Supporting a PSRN is simple. Employers provide organizational support and employee time, while BCCSA delivers the training, resources, and ongoing development opportunities that help PSRNs succeed. The PSRN Program is provided at no cost to employers or employees.

What Employers Provide
  • Organizational approval and support for the employee's participation in the PSRN Program.
  • Time for the employee to attend training and program activities.
  • Recognition of the value of peer support in building safer, recovery-inclusive workplaces.
  • Ongoing support for the employee's development as a PSRN.
What BCCSA Provides
  • No-cost training through the one-day PSRN Development Day led by Dr. Paul Farnan.
  • A Certificate of Completion recognizing participation in the program.
  • Access to the PSRN Community of Practice, providing peer learning opportunities.
  • PSRN resources and materials, including hard-hat decals, PSRN pins, and workplace posters.
  • Continued support, mentorship, and access to additional resources throughout your employee's PSRN journey.

I Want to Become a PSRN

Discover the role, upcoming training opportunities, and the application process.

Become a PSRN →
I Want to Learn More

Learn how the PSRN Program is helping build recovery-inclusive workplaces across BC's construction industry.

Learn More →
Download the PSRN Information Sheet

Help spread awareness of the Peer Support Recovery Navigator Program at your workplace.

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