Pain on the Job: Tools and Support for Construction Workers | Live, Online

Join Pain BC for a real-world look at pain in the trades: what it is, why it matters, and what support is available. This session is your chance to better understand chronic pain and explore practical steps we can all take to support wellness on the jobsite.

Description

Long hours, heavy lifting, and years in the trades can lead to pain that doesn’t go away. Pushing through it just to get the job done takes a toll — and over time, it can make it harder to keep working.
 
This webinar is for construction workers and forepersons who want to better understand what pain really is and what can be done about it. Hosted by Pain BC, we’ll explore how pain shows up in the trades, the difference between everyday jobsite pain and chronic pain, and how pain connects to mental health.
You'll hear from lived experience and walk away with practical strategies and new resources, including peer and text support, on-site education tools, and accessible pain management programs.
 
This session will cover:
  • What is chronic pain, and how can it affect your life?

  • Who is Pain BC, and how are they supporting the construction industry?

  • What is the biopsychosocial model of pain, and how can understanding it help with pain management?

Course Instructors

Melanie McDonald | Director, Support Services

Melanie is Pain BC’s Director of Support Services. She has a master's degree in social work with a background working in direct practice, leadership, and clinical supervision in a variety of settings including oncology, hospice, and community care. She has a passion for supporting program development and leading diverse teams to deliver high quality and trauma-informed services. She is an Adjunct Professor (Research) at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Social Work. She is honoured to be part of the Pain BC team.

James Boseley | Trades And Pain Lead

James Boseley is the Trades and Pain (TAP) project lead. James has been a volunteer with the Coaching for Health program since 2022 and graduated with a diploma in Applied Psychology Specializing in Counselling in 2024. James has 25 years of oilfield, truck driving, equipment operating and trades related experience. With his background in mental health and lived experience with Chronic Pain, James is passionate about the Trades and Pain project. He looks forward to connecting with people in the field and looking at ways to support workers.

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