Construction contractors across Wisconsin are adopting a new workplace training initiative aimed at preventing harassment, bullying and violence on job sites as the industry works to modernize its culture and attract a more diverse workforce.
The program, called “Be More Than a Bystander,” is a four-hour course designed to give construction workers practical tools to intervene when inappropriate behavior occurs. The training is provided by the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, which represents union locals across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The course combines instruction, group discussion and real-world scenarios to help participants recognize harassment, understand its impacts and learn how to respond effectively. While many contractors already maintain zero-tolerance policies, industry leaders say employees often lack clear guidance on how to act when problems arise in the field.
In Wisconsin, the program was introduced after contractors approached the Carpenters union for help dealing with incidents ranging from harassment and bullying to, in rare cases, workplace violence.
“A lot of times, they don’t have anything in place on how to deal with this,” Hernández said. “One of those ways is to incorporate this training to be proactive.”
As construction remains a traditionally male-dominated field, leaders say cultural shifts are becoming more urgent as younger workers and more women enter the trades. Hazing and inappropriate behavior can still surface, even as companies attempt to strengthen policies and accountability.
Neenah-based Miron Construction has incorporated the training into its annual staff conference for leadership, according to Hernández, and has since expanded it to foremen, superintendents and trades workers on job sites. Miron requested additional sessions facilitated directly by the Carpenters to reach employees in the field.
“You learn different intervention tools and methods and learn to be more than a bystander, Hernández said. “We have a discussion on what those tools can be. You can do something as simple as speak up. If you see something, say something.”
Other major contractors, including Mortenson, have adopted customized versions of the program. The Carpenters have delivered training at several large projects, including Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa and the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Miron executives say leadership buy-in played a key role in expanding the program beyond the office.
“I asked our executives, field operations directors and general superintendents to go through it, and they were the biggest proponents of it.” Said Dave Walsh, the executive vice president of human resources at Miron Construction. “They went through it and were like, ‘This is great, we need to bring it to the field.’ Here are the tools they need when they see bullying or harassment happen.”
Both office staff and field workers completed the training, Walsh said, and those working on job sites gained skills they previously lacked. Women currently make up only a small percentage of field crews, increasing the importance of clear expectations and intervention strategies.
“At any job you have, you have teasing of the new person,” Walsh said. “Teasing of a new person is natural and we get that, but it’s when it reaches that point where it’s not teasing anymore, it’s inappropriate or sexual, when that happens, they have some tools to head it off the path. This is walking down a bad path, so I can say this or distract them here.”
While incidents remain uncommon, Walsh emphasized that preparedness matters.
“But when it happens, we don’t want people floundering or wondering what to do,” Walsh added.
Miron plans to introduce the training to as many as 50 summer interns, equipping younger workers with tools to respond to harassment in both office and field environments.
Originally developed in 2011 through a partnership between the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia and the BC Lions Football Club, Be More Than a Bystander has since been adapted for construction and distributed across the Midwest, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on safety, respect and workforce retention.
Originally reported by Ethan Duran, BridgeTower Media in Finance - Commerce.
.png)
