Health & Safety Advisor Job in Kitchener, Ontario Canada
Health Safety Advisor
This temporary full-time assignment (up to 3 years) within the Human Resources Department will involve working with management to implement the Safety Management System for Public Health, by assisting management in conducting risk assessments, and developing and implementing risk management strategies and programs. The Health and Safety Advisor will establish employee health surveillance programming and protocols, develop and implement occupational health programs and training, and act as the primary contact and liaison with third-party medical providers to provide exposure management activities for Public Health staff.
The responsibilities of the Health and Safety Advisor will include:
- providing health and safety guidance, assistance and advice to Regional staff at all levels
- developing, implementing, promoting and monitoring safe and healthy work practices and programs
- interpreting and communicating a range of organizational and regulatory requirements applicable to work performed by, or on behalf of, the Region
- participating in resolving labour relations matters dealing with occupational health and safety
- acting as a liaison with the Ministry of Labour and others for matters such as work refusals, incident investigations, and Ministry field visits
- analyzing, interpreting and applying ergonomic principles to various positions and providing ergonomic expertise and recommendations
- assisting in employees’ successful return to work after injury or illness by performing job hazard/job task and ergonomic analyses
- researching, designing, presenting and customizing health and safety training programs
- counselling and assisting management in investigating and assessing employee concerns regarding working conditions, equipment and procedures
- recommending corrective measures and design changes, and formulating methods to control hazards specific to the work environment
- assisting in long-range planning to address changing legislation
- developing emergency procedures and assisting in their implementation
- potentially, participating in the activities of Joint Health and Safety Committees.
To assume the role of Health and Safety Advisor, you will have the following profile:
- Comprehensive knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety normally acquired through a college diploma or university degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Science or Engineering, a Certified Occupational Health Nurse designation, or equivalent, plus additional courses or seminars related to health and safety, plus progressively responsible related experience.
- Eligibility for certification in the Association for Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.
- Extensive knowledge of health and safety regulations, codes and standards, such as CSA standards and practices pertinent to industrial and healthcare workplaces, Workplace Safety and Insurance, disability management and ergonomics.
- Ability to apply ergonomic principles, normally acquired through directly related experience.
- Human relations, facilitation, mediation and presentation skills.
- Problem-solving and negotiation skills to identify problem situations and persuade management to adhere to policy and regulations.
- Computer skills using such software as MS Office, Outlook and an electronic document management system.
- Ability to read and interpret health and safety legislation, codes, standards and practices, conduct research, understand scientific studies and other technical documents, and translate technical information into layperson’s terms.
- Ability to write precise, detailed policies and procedures, advice and/or instruction on various topics, including reports, proposals, articles, and statistical analyses from a health and safety perspective, involving precise use of language.
- Ability to respond to inquiries from Regional staff, create and present educational programs, and represent the Region before external parties.
- Ability to travel to various locations within the Region.
Making a Difference – Every Day. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing the highest possible standard of living for its 500,000 residents, offering health, transit, public works and social services that are second to none.
In addition to offering a competitive compensation package, we have a strong focus on health and wellness, including fitness facilities and family-focused benefits.
Please visit our website, at www.regionofwaterloo.ca, for a detailed position description and to apply online. If you prefer, send your resume, quoting competition number 2011-1570, by November 28, 2011, to: The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Human Resources, 150 Frederick Street, 3rd Floor, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3.
We are committed to employment equity and thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview. We will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the hiring process.