Health and Safety Director

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Job Title: Health and Safety Director

Status: Full Time, Permanent

Location: British Columbia or Ontario

Overview

The Health and Safety Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the health and safety programs and team for our business across Canada, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering a culture of safety. This role includes overseeing the health and safety managers/coordinators, management of health and safety claims, from investigation to resolution, and serves as a liaison with regulatory bodies, including oversight of Certificate of Recognition (COR) audits in Canada.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Development and Management
   • Design, implement, and maintain health and safety programs, policies and procedures in line with industry standards, provincial health and safety legislation and organizational objectives.
   • Regularly review and update health and safety protocols to reflect current legislation and best practices.
   • Monitor and interpret changes in OHS regulations, laws, and standards, ensuring all operations are fully compliant.
   • Management and leadership of the Health and Safety team based in various locations across Canada.
2. Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
   • Ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and local health and safety regulations, including OSHA and other relevant bodies such as WSIB and WorkSafeBC.
   • Identify, assess, and mitigate safety risks associated with janitorial activities, including handling hazardous chemicals, machinery, and working in various environments (offices, retail, and government facilities, etc.).
   • Prepare for and manage internal and external audits and inspections related to health and safety.
   • Ensure compliance with provincial health and safety regulations across all areas of janitorial operations, including cleaning services, hazardous materials management, and waste disposal.
3. Liaison with Regulatory Bodies
   • Serve as the primary contact for all communications with regulatory agencies, ensuring clear and timely responses to inquiries and inspections.
   • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in health and safety legislation and regulations, disseminating information to the organization as needed.
   • Coordinate and facilitate regulatory audits, ensuring all necessary documentation and evidence of compliance are readily available.
4. COR Audits
   • Oversee the organization’s participation in the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, ensuring compliance with standards set forth by the program.
   • Prepare for and manage COR audits, including gathering documentation, coordinating site visits, and implementing corrective actions based on audit findings.
   • Develop and implement strategies to maintain and improve the organization's COR certification status.
5. Training and Education
   • Oversee the development and delivery of safety training programs for janitorial staff across all regions, ensuring they are equipped to work safely and follow all OHS guidelines.
   • Conduct and track regular safety audits, site inspections, and ongoing training to monitor compliance and identify areas for improvement.
6. Risk Assessment and Management
   • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and safety audits to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
   • Develop and maintain a risk management strategy to mitigate potential safety issues.
7. Claims Management
   • Oversee the health and safety claims management process, including incident reporting, investigation, and resolution.
   • Collaborate with insurance providers to manage claims, ensuring timely reporting and documentation.
   • Analyze claim data to identify trends, develop action plans, and recommend improvements to prevent future incidents.
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for claims-related inquiries, facilitating communication between employees, management, and insurance representatives.
8. Training and Development
   • Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs on health and safety practices, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements for all employees.
   • Ensure that training records are maintained and training programs are evaluated for effectiveness.
9. Incident Investigation and Reporting
   • Lead investigations of workplace incidents and accidents, determining root causes and ensuring corrective measures are implemented.
   • Prepare and present regular reports on OHS performance, including safety metrics, audit findings, loss time and recommendations for improvement initiatives to senior leadership.
   • Develop and implement emergency response plans, conducting regular drills and training to ensure employee readiness.
   • Maintain communication with local emergency services and coordinate responses to emergencies as necessary.
10. Data Analysis and Reporting
    • Track and analyze health and safety performance metrics, presenting findings to senior management and recommending improvements.
    • Prepare regular reports for stakeholders detailing health and safety performance, incidents, and initiatives.
    • Work with various departments to integrate health and safety practices into operational processes and culture.
    • Serve as a resource and advisor to management and staff on health and safety matters.
    • Collaborate with regional managers, Human Resources and Training to continually improve safety protocols and operational efficiencies.
11. Budget Management
    • Manage the health and safety budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources for training, equipment, and other safety initiatives.
    • Identify and recommend cost-effective measures to enhance safety without compromising quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years experience in health and safety management, with a strong focus on claims management and regulatory compliance.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or equivalent certifications preferred.
• Expertise in Canadian OHS laws and regulations (CSA Z1000, WHMIS, OSHA, etc.), particularly within the janitorial or facilities management sectors.
• Extensive knowledge of health and safety regulations, standards, and best practices in Canada, including COR certification requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, particularly in claims analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and engaging stakeholders.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications for all who are eligible to apply. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive, accessible workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected. Due to the nature of our services, some of our positions require a security clearance and/or a criminal and credit check. If you are a successful candidate, you may be asked to consent to a background check and security clearance. For positions with access to financial data or funds, your credit must be in good standing. Eligibility to Work in Canada: It’s important that you are legally eligible to work in Canada at the time an offer of employment is made. You may be requested to provide proof of eligibility at that time.