ACSA launches awareness campaign because 55% of Alberta's WCB claims are workers in first year at company
The Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) is launching a new campaign to address a persistent safety issue in Alberta’s construction sector: 55 per cent of Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims in the industry involve workers in their first year at a company.
ACSA, representing over 56,000 member companies, is focusing its Injury Prevention Campaign on reducing these injuries, which occur among both inexperienced newcomers and experienced workers who are new to a job site.
“Fifty-five per cent of WCB claims in Alberta construction involve first-year workers, but this isn't limited to those who are new to the industry,” said Mark Hoosein, ACSA’s chief executive officer. “You could be a veteran worker, but a new environment or team can still put you at risk.”
Campaign components: Crew brew and safety showdown
The campaign includes two main initiatives: Crew Brew and Safety Showdown. Crew Brew events will take place during Safety and Health Week (May 5–9) at various locations across Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton. These events will provide opportunities for workers and supervisors to discuss safety practices over coffee, with an emphasis on the unique risks faced by first-year workers.
“Safety starts with connection,” Hoosein said. “Our Crew Brew events aim to foster trust and open communication among crews.”
Alongside Crew Brew, the Safety Showdown contest will test workers' safety knowledge through quizzes and workplace activities. Participants can win prizes, including a luxury suite at an Edmonton Oilers or Calgary Flames game.
A broader issue: Experience doesn’t guarantee safety
Hoosein says the high injury rate among first-year workers is not just a matter of inexperience. Even seasoned workers can face higher risks in a new environment, where they may hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns.
“It’s about adjusting to a new team, a new site, or a different work culture,” Hoosein said. “Even experienced workers can be vulnerable in their first year.”
He added employers sometimes overlook these risks, assuming experienced hires will automatically adapt. “But experience doesn’t prevent accidents if communication and mentorship are lacking,” he said.
Industry context and response
Construction is one of Alberta’s most hazardous industries, accounting for 12 per cent of the province’s workplace injuries and about a third of all fatalities, despite employing only 10 per cent of the workforce, according to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada.
The ACSA’s campaign aims to change this by providing free resources through its website (firstyear.youracsa.ca), including safety guides, toolbox talk templates, and communication strategies for supervisors.
“This problem is solvable, and the best companies are those that view safety as part of the quality of their work,” Hoosein said.
