Making Safety Simpler

BCCSA

Peer Support Recovery Navigator Program

Substance use and mental health challenges affect every construction site in British Columbia. The BC Construction Safety Alliance's Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) Program helps employers and workers respond early and build safer, recovery-inclusive workplaces.


The Challenge

Substance use and mental health challenges impact the safety, morale, and financial performance of every construction site in British Columbia. Traditional company policies and the public healthcare system are insufficient to address this pervasive industry challenge, especially in the earlier stages when support is most beneficial.

How the Program Works

The Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) Program, a BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) initiative developed in partnership with national educational expert Dr. Paul Farnan, offers an innovative and strategic solution. The program is provided at no cost to employers (employers only provide employees' time) and leverages the uniquely powerful asset of workers with lived or learned experience of recovery — the untapped superpower of peer support — rather than solely relying on external resources.

PSRNs are not counsellors or therapists. Approved by their employers, they are workplace colleagues who complete the customized BCCSA-PSRN training program. They offer practical, confidential guidance and navigation for co-workers to access professional resources as they uphold the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality. They can also assist the workplace in becoming more informed on recovery-related issues.

What is a PSRN?

A Peer Support Recovery Navigator (PSRN) is a BCCSA-trained worker who provides confidential, non-judgmental peer support, offers hope, and helps coworkers navigate recovery resources while strengthening workplace culture.


Transforming Lived Experience Into Workplace Leadership

PSRNs come from many backgrounds. Some have lived experience of recovery, while others bring learned experience through supporting a friend, family member, or coworker. Any construction worker, tradesperson, or supervisor who wants to make a difference can apply. What matters most is a commitment to helping others on their journey and promoting recovery at work.

We are currently accepting applications from individuals who have lived or learned experience and an interest in recovery with the following attributes:

  • Appreciates the organizational importance of safety and relationships to productivity.
  • Are respected and trusted by coworkers.
  • Are not in active addiction or early/unstable recovery.
  • Shows emotional steadiness, discretion, and good judgment.
  • Do not exhibit rescuing, enabling, or codependent patterns.
  • Can respect confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Are genuinely interested in supporting safety and a positive recovery culture at work.

More Than a Training Day

PSRN is more than a course. Graduates join a province-wide Community of Practice, participate in ongoing learning and the annual Provincial Forum, and become part of a growing movement bringing recovery into workplaces across British Columbia.

The one-day education program introduces:

  • Substance use fundamentals and recovery principles.
  • Peer support and ethical boundaries.
  • Confidentiality and communication skills.
  • Trauma-informed and inclusive practices.
  • Resource navigation and emergency response.
  • PSRN self-care and boundaries.

I'm an Employer

Learn how PSRNs help improve retention, strengthen safety culture, and support workers.

Employer Information →
I Want to Become a PSRN

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

Become a PSRN →
Download the PSRN Information Sheet

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

Download PDF →

If you, or someone you know, needs help
  • 9-1-1: for help right away – Fire, Police, and/or Ambulance or go to your local emergency medical centre.
  • Suicide Crisis Helplines: Text or call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC, both available 24/7.
  • Mental Health Support Line: For immediate mental health support or referral, call 310-6789 (no area code) 24 hours a day.
  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: KUU-US Crisis Line. A 24/7, culturally competent crisis line for First Nations and Inuit peoples. Phone: 1-855-242-3310.
  • CRCL: Crisis Response Community Led: CRCL, pronounced 'circle' and formerly known as Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT) is a mobile, community-led service that provides mental health support to people 13 years and older who are experiencing a mental health crisis. CRCL is available in North Vancouver, Victoria, New Westminster, Prince George, Comox Valley, and is coming soon to Kamloops. Learn more at CRCL.ca
  • HealthLink BC (811): 24 hour health support and navigation