The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is committed to equity in employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. The UCDSB is committed to providing accommodations [for people with disabilities]. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. This would be facilitated upon receiving an interview and would be done by contacting Human Resources at askuchr@ucdsb.on.ca .
Non-Union Position
$90,662.00 - $117,854.00, commensurate with experience.
Full- time, Permanent
1.0 FTE (35 hours per week)
Location: Brockville Board Office
JOB SUMMARY:
The Health and Safety Specialist leads the health, safety and risk management function of the Board, including writing safety and risk related policies for Board consideration, developing procedures for student and staff safety, and ensuring that all health and safety training requirements are met. The Specialist is responsible for analyzing accident and loss data with the intent of eliminating student and staff incidents and accidents. The Specialist leads emergency preparedness and risk management activities, is responsible for ensuring that the Board complies with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and assists in ensuring that the Board is in compliance with other relevant legislation such as the Ontario Fire Code, Health Promotion and Protection Act (HPPA), Environmental Protection Act (EPA), Emergency Measures Act, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA).
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:
2 -3-year Specialized Community College diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences or Industrial Hygiene. A minimum of 5-6 years of experience.
Canadian Registered Safety Professional certification (CRSP) is required; Canadian Risk Management certification (CRM) would be an asset.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Knowledge:
Fire safety, insurance, industrial hygiene, emergency preparedness and risk management, and related processes and procedures.
Acts and regulations including OHSA, WSIA, EPA, Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), the Fire Code, and the Health Promotion and Protection Act.
Technical knowledge of hygiene tools such as Noise Dosimeters and mould sampling equipment. Formal Education and/or Certification(s).
Competencies:
Ability to coordinate a range of project work and to communicate complex and sensitive information.
Ability to draft policies and procedures and to conduct data analysis.
Interpersonal skills:
Interpersonal skills include presentation skills, diplomacy, and effective listening skills.
Communications occur on a daily basis with managers and colleagues and on a weekly or monthly basis with government representatives, clients, corporate stakeholders, professional associates and advisors, and unions or federations. Monthly interactions may occur with contractors and students. The most significant contact is with facility managers, principals, and vice principals regarding procedure interpretation, and with other employees, including Rehabilitation Coordinators, regarding accidents.
Effort and Responsibility:
Visual concentration may include use of a computer for extended periods of time; auditory concentration is required when interviewing, responding to phone calls, or inspecting equipment.
Physical effort may include fine finger / precision work, frequent sitting, and occasional standing, climbing of ladders, bending and squatting, as well as carrying materials weighing up to 10lbs.
Most tasks require analysis, such as determining how to resolve a H&S situation (e.g. the cause of a slip and fall) or extrapolating the impact of legislative change. Problems may occasionally require creative solutions; references available include previous instances, Acts, Regulations, legal precedents, or consultant advice.
Drafts policies for Board approval.
Approves purchase orders and expenditures within set parameters.
Errors could impact the health and safety of individuals; repercussions could include fines, increased WSIB premiums, and reputation damage. Errors are identified by the incumbent, others in the organization, or external entities (e.g., the Ministry of Labour, Public Health, or the Fire Department).
Leads project teams, organizes and coordinates the Joint Health and Safety Committee, and may occasionally delegate tasks to the Risk and Community Outreach Coordinator or other managers.
Usually works in an office environment, but occasionally conducts inspections in areas that require use of hearing and respiratory protection equipment. Driving between locations is required.
BRIEF LIST OF DUTIES:
Represents the Board to external agencies during emergencies and responds to media inquiries as requested by the communications department.
Provides guidance to administrators and supervisors with respect to Health and Safety (H&S), including how to respond to Ministry of Labour orders, fines, and charges. Informs managers, principals, and staff on policies and procedures, and on how to problem-solve internal and external complaints.
Writes and implements H&S procedures, policies, and guidelines.
Conducts the Board’s investigations of accidents, incidents, injuries, occupational diseases and fatalities; this includes conducting interviews, providing documentation to authorities (such as the Ministry of Labour or the police), reporting internally, and implementing corrective action.
Organizes the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) and acts as a committee resource.
Plans and conducts H&S, and hazard awareness and safety training, including regulatory H&S training.
Analyses workplace violence data and follows up accordingly.
Liaises with external parties (Ministry of Labour, public health units, insurers, WSIB, fire prevention, community emergency responders) on safety, health, and emergency response measures.
Analyses and reports data related to accidents and incidents.
Prepares and monitors the departmental budget and sets short and long term goals that align with the Board’s strategic plan.
Organizes annual inspections of critical areas such as technology and science classrooms, including hiring consultants to conduct inspections and hygiene testing as required. Engages contractors for semi-annual and non-routine hazardous waste pick-up.
Advises departments, such as Purchasing and Facilities, on H&S standards when purchasing or contracting.