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.
This 4½ minute video explains the purpose of PSRN training, the limits of the PSRN role, and how employers can help ensure the training is used appropriately in the workplace.
Supports healthier, safer, and more productive workplaces.
Encourages workers to support one another appropriately.
Connects workers with recovery-related information and support.
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.
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.
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.
What a Peer Support Recovery Navigator does — and does not do.
A PSRN is a BCCSA-trained worker who can help coworkers understand and access recovery-related resources while strengthening workplace culture.
The role is intended to support a recovery-inclusive workplace by providing confidential peer support, encouraging early conversations, and connecting workers to recovery, mental health, and community resources before challenges become crises.
A PSRN is not a counsellor or therapist, doctor or healthcare provider, disciplinary agent, fitness-for-duty decision-maker, or a replacement for professional treatment.
The PSRN role does not replace the responsibilities of the employer, supervisors, HR, safety personnel, unions, medical providers, EAP providers, or legal advisors.
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:
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:
Learn how PSRNs help improve retention, strengthen safety culture, and support workers.
Employer InformationDiscover the role, upcoming training opportunities, and the application process.
Become a PSRNTo transfer or cancel a registration, you must send a written confirmation to training@bccsa.ca If written notification is not received within the stated time frame, the full course fee will be charged.
The BCCSA and its venue partners reserve the right to cancel any courses due to insufficient enrollment or other causes. In this case, you will be notified by the BCCSA through phone call or email at least 5 business days prior to the course.
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