Health and Safety Specialist - Full-Time Permanent Position

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Manager, Human Resources, the Health & Safety Specialist provides advice, guidance and support at the department/divisional level for multiple facilities regarding the occupational health and safety programs and initiatives.  The specialist ensures compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations including the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines while coordinating and facilitating in the education and training of employees. This position plays a critical role in acting as an advocate for safety and will demonstrate principles, practices and processes that will optimize a safe environment for all.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Recommend, implement and evaluate Regional workplace injury prevention plans and employee wellness programs based on workplace health risks and occupational hazards that are identified through workplace injury history, trends and root cause analysis.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety laws, regulations and standards as well as provincial legislation related to safety.
• Perform health and safety audits and evaluations, gap analysis, inspections, and assessments regularly as required.
• Drive corrective action through health checks.
• Anticipate, identify, and evaluate hazardous conditions and practices.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development in the identification, development, and delivery of health and safety training.
• Track and maintain training records and calendars across all divisions ensuring that employee safety training is up to date and legislative compliance maintained.
• Ensure contractors are working within Health and Safety standards and possess relevant safety certifications.
• Participate in and provide leadership and guidance to Regional Joint Health & Safety Committees.
• Partner with the business unit management teams to address safety related issues, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Investigate all accidents, incidents, near misses and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Manage WSIB claims with a focus on early and safe return to work processes, accommodation, modified work and coordinate the return to work meetings/process.
• Provide consultative advice and guidance to departments regarding claims management of WSIB activities. Liaise with the WSIB, Payroll, and HR Operations to ensure effective claims management.
• Coordinate early and safe return to work programs. Liaise with departments on a consistent basis with regards to employee capabilities and restrictions for employees who remain off work or are participating in a gradual return to work program.
• Review all WSIB correspondence to verify correct adjudication and assignment of claim costs has occurred.
• Conduct thorough reviews of all information provided and initiate third party intervention as required. Prepare file histories and information for legal briefs and WSIB appeal hearings.
• Coordinate workplace accommodations, and ergonomic assessments as required.
• Develop and maintain relevant metrics, statistical and cost reporting, providing regular reporting to management as required.
• Monitor legislative changes and make recommendations based on their potential impact to the business.
• Develop policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures as required and in collaboration with business units.
• Act as a first point of contact for all regulatory agency interventions and health and safety related third party vendors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Human Resources, Health & Safety Management or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible health and safety program management experience.
• A CRSP designation is required.
• A CHRP would be an asset.
• A degree in kinesiology or ergonomics would be an asset.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation and best practice procedures are required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of disability legislation and regulations is required, including the Human Rights Code (duty to accommodate), Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• A thorough working knowledge of WSIB claims management and safety inspection processes.
• Experience developing and facilitating training or orientations, leading meetings and initiatives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior analytical skills, with the ability to identify problems, resolve issues, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience writing and developing policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• The ability to prioritize, follow through, handle multiple tasks and deal effectively with tight deadlines.
• Must be able to quickly respond to issues, and apply knowledge to solve problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) is required.
• Prior experience with organizing and coordinating wellness initiatives/programs would be an asset.
• Experience with health and safety software or document management software experience is an asset.
• A valid driver’s license is required to travel to other sites (within GTA) regularly.

To apply to this posting please visit https://apply.trca.ca/ and choose the job posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter quoting job posting # TRCA-001-19HR2 prior to midnight on March 24, 2019.

While TRCA thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised successful incumbent(s) who are not presently permanent TRCA employees may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector and/or drivers abstract check.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the Authority. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.