5 Things to Look for When Hiring Temporary Labour in BC

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STAFFCO Admin calendar_today July 08, 2026 schedule 5 min read

Hiring temporary labour involves more than just finding warm bodies. BC employers must ensure workers are properly screened, insured, and suited for the role.

1. WCB Coverage

Every worker placed by a staffing agency should have WCB coverage in place before setting foot on your site. STAFFCO handles this automatically — but if you're sourcing on your own, always verify.

2. Proper Licences for the Trade

Electricians, plumbers, and gas fitters require valid BC trade certificates. Ask for certificate numbers and verify them on the SkilledTradesBC registry.

3. Drug and Alcohol Policy Compliance

Many construction sites have zero-tolerance policies. Ensure your staffing partner pre-screens candidates and that workers understand your site-specific policies.

4. Reliable Attendance History

High turnover is costly. Ask about a worker's placement history and whether they've successfully completed similar assignments. STAFFCO tracks attendance across all placements.

5. Cultural and Communication Fit

A worker who communicates well with your foreman will produce better results. Consider a brief phone screen before final approval.