Health and Safety Coordinator

HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR

JOB TYPE: FULL TIME

Who We Are
Gwillimdale Farms is family-owned/operated, based just 10 minutes from downtown Bradford. We here at Gwillimdale Farms do more than just grow vegetables; we are growing our business, rooted in our core values of excellence, innovation, unity, and sustainability. We supply our produce both locally and abroad, working in tandem with food manufacturers, retailers, food service providers, and wholesale distributors. We believe our biggest asset is our team. We are always striving to build a better team and a better work environment through continuing efforts in the areas of safety, education, and personal development.

Job Summary
The Health and Safety and Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, and adherence of the Company’s health and safety program, policies, and procedures as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workplace Safety Insurance Act and the Accessibility program, policies, and procedures as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and other provincial and federal legislation impacting persons with disabilities through deliberations with HR, management, and departmental leaders.

Flexibility may be required to complete training days or based on seasonal needs. Notice will be given in advance.

In this role, the successful candidate will report directly to the Human Resources Manager.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills
• Effective Communication (Written and Verbal)
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Initiative and Proactive Problem-Solving
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Team Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills
• Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations and Accessibility Standards
• Ability to Adapt to a Fast-Paced, Changing Environment
• Ability to Multitask and Manage Competing Priorities
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Ability to Address Emergencies Promptly
• Commitment to Continuous Learning and Professional Development
• Bilingual (English and Spanish preferred)
• Ability to Execute Tasks Efficiently and Meet Deadlines

Duties And Responsibilities
Health and Safety

• Monitor adherence to the Company’s health and safety program for employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and revise programs, as necessary.
• Co-chair the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), ensuring legal compliance, member recruitment, certification, training, and proper meeting documentation.
• Conduct monthly workplace inspections with JHSC, participate in spot audits, and develop corrective action plans.
• Address health and safety concerns from managers, employees, and regulatory inspectors.
• Collaborate with managers on injury/accident reporting and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Assist with WSIB claims management and coordinate return-to-work plans.
• Develop, implement, and monitor health and safety policies and procedures in compliance with regulations.
• Create and maintain health and safety training content for new hires and refresher courses. Conduct training sessions as required.
• Coordinate external vendor training (e.g., working at heights, forklifts, first aid) and, once certified, deliver internal training.
• Develop competency assessment templates for new hires in applicable roles.
• Maintain health and safety boards, first aid logs, and SDS binders.
• Coordinate safety equipment inspections and replenish first aid kits and PPE inventory.
• Assist with monthly fire extinguisher inspections.
• Conduct risk assessments (Job Hazard Analysis) and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Review new operations, processes, and equipment to ensure health and safety considerations are incorporated.
• Implement and update standard operating procedures for health and safety.
• Recommend and support continuous safety improvements across the organization.
• Lead the Company’s response and compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Collaborate with internal and external parties to ensure compliance with accessibility initiatives and the multi-year accessibility plan.
• Identify accessibility needs and opportunities across the Company.
• Update the multi-year accessibility plan and recommend improvements.
• Oversee the implementation of accessibility standards, ensuring proper training and dissemination of updates.
• Stay informed on legislative changes and advancements in accessibility practices.
• Co-chair the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC) and ensure proper member recruitment, training, and meeting documentation.
• Ensure timely submission of administrative, tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Track and review accessibility-related items and address gaps in policies and procedures.
• Develop and update accessibility policies in line with legislative requirements.
• Coordinate and document all required accessibility training initiatives.
• Implement and update standard operating procedures for accessibility and accommodation.
• Recommend and support continuous accessibility improvements.

Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Specific

• Act as the main contact for TFWs assisting with banking, paystubs, documentation (e.g., OHIP, SIN), transportation, housing needs, and other related requests.
• Coordinating transportation (e.g., flight itineraries, groceries transportation)
• Managing migrant housing needs and maintaining communication via various channels.
• Addressing any other TFW-related requests.
• Support compliance inspections and audits (e.g., Public Health, Service Canada)
• Assist with Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and work permit applications.
• Maintain TFW arrival and departure schedules.
• Update orientation and training materials, including translations.
• Manage TFW program requirements and communications with relevant parties.
• Update notice boards in each TFW housing, displaying company policies, communication notices, emergency contacts, and reminders.
• Monitor and maintain first aid at all housing locations.
• Prepare housing for each season for TFW arrivals, ensuring bedding, personal hygiene items, and necessary houseware are provided.
• Handle the procurement of items (online orders, in-store pickups) and transport them to housing locations using company office vehicle.
• Prepare and deliver Health and Safety orientation and training sessions, including creating and administering quizzes for all TFWs upon arrival.
• Compile and distribute necessary documentation for each worker.
• Ensure TFWs have the appropriate PPE (e.g., boots) for their job functions.
• Oversee the annual acquisition of OHIP cards for workers
• Serve as backup for the HR Manager in TFWP duties.
• Support TFW-related programming, training, and resources as needed.

HR Administration Support

• Assist with event planning and team engagement activities.
• Manage the uniform program, overseeing ordering and fulfillment.
• Screen candidates in person or via phone, forwarding profiles to hiring managers for review.
• Handle general HR inquiries and direct them to HR Manager.
• Assist with HR projects, policy administration, and sourcing translation of materials.
• Maintain and update HR documentation and records in various systems.
• Manage HR inventory and order necessary materials and supplies.
• Track HR calendars and deadlines, including training and regulatory requirements.
• Support Health and Safety priorities as needed.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures for HR tasks.
• Prepare and proofread HR documents and reports.
• Assist with additional HR administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Human Resources Management or related discipline.
• 1-2 years of work experience in human resources is required.
• CRSP, CHSC or similar health and safety professional designations are an asset.
• Part 1 and 2 Joint Health and Safety Committee Member Certification is an asset.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR training is an asset.
• Valid Ontario G driver's license is required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience within a safety role in an agriculture, manufacturing or similar environment is required.
• Speak Spanish fluently as well as read, write, and translate.
• Highly motivated individual with proven initiative.
• Demonstrated work knowledge of multiple human resource areas preferred.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now is an asset.
• Experience with Microsoft Teams/SharePoint is an asset.
• Effective communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Presentation skills required.
• Able to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally always.
• Able to work efficiently as a part of a team as well as independently.
• Attention to detail in all areas of work.

Abilities

• Ability to walk the plant floor and drive to nearby farm locations is required.
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending.
• Personal protective equipment required in the plant and on the farm (e.g., steel toes boots)
• Ability to attend and conduct presentations.
• Decisive, team player, and be able to work well under pressure.
• Highly motivated individual with proven initiative.
• Able to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations, Human Rights, Accessibility and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act is required.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in both English and Spanish.

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Vision care

Schedule

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability To Commute/relocate

• Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON L3Z 3M5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Language(s)

• English (required)
• Spanish (preferred)

Work Location: In person, On-site, Outdoors.