Health and Safety Program Manager

Division

Human Resources

Important Notices & Amendments

This position currently falls within our hybrid model, allowing the employee to typically work a minimum of 50% of your time at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

About Us

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities within its boundaries.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, please email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca.

Don’t have every qualification? You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply.

Job Description

Job Summary

Salary Under Review

Reporting to the Manager Health, Safety and Wellness, the Health & Safety Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing the implementation of the corporate health and safety programs, policies, procedures and guidelines. This role provides advice and leadership to all levels of management and corporate health and safety staff members with the objective of ensuring legislative compliance, minimizing the risk of occupational injuries/illnesses and championing the corporate health and safety culture.

Education

• Post-secondary degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Human Resources or a related field/discipline.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Health & Safety including health and safety policy, procedure and program development, workplace inspections and accident investigation in a unionized work environment.
• Experience in a large multi-faceted unionized work environment and/or in a large municipal/public sector is preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, collective agreements and related legislation.
• Must obtain Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) certification within 18 months of commencing employment.
• Parts 1 and 2 of Joint Health & Safety Committee Certification training is an asset.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level A or C, and AED Certificate.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) is preferred.
• Additional formal training and/or experience with the prevention of psychological and musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses and/or ergonomics is preferred.
• The following designations/memberships are deemed an asset: Health & Safety Consultant (CHSC) designation, Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) or member of the Ontario Municipal Health and Safety Professionals Association.
• Experience as a WSIB Schedule 2 employer is preferred.
• Experience with Disability Management Software i.e. Parklane system is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops, manages and supports the delivery and performance of the corporate Health and Safety programs, policies and procedures ensuring alignment with the strategies set by the Manager Health, Safety and Wellness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Plays a key leadership role in ensuring the organization is compliant with all applicable regulations made under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Industry Standards and best practices regarding health and safety.
• Develops Health and Safety program goals and priorities, ensuring alignment with the strategic direction set by the Manager Health, Safety and Wellness.
• Leads the development of the education, communication, and implementation plans for health and safety programs.
• Monitors compliance of corporate health and safety programs, policies and procedures with changes in legislation.
• Identifies opportunities for process and program improvements.
• Analyzes Health and Safety trends in the municipal sector.
• Identifies, plans, and executes process improvements to Health, Safety & wellness programs and services.

Liaises and builds relationships with internal and external interested parties on matters relating to occupational health and safety.

• Liaises with the Ministry of Labour Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and various health and safety organizations.
• Keeps abreast of government changes to anticipate compliance gaps.
• Provides support to employees and management on health and wellness promotion.
• Works collaboratively with external vendors that provide contracted health related services.
• Participates in multidisciplinary case management meetings.

Provides advice and subject matter and technical expertise to employees and leadership.

• Provides consultation, advice and leadership to all levels of management on occupational workplace safety.
• Responds to safety related inquiries, investigations, inspections and ensuing orders from the Ministry of Labour Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
• Acts as a resource in clarifying standards for external parties.
• Provides guidance in the development and/or improvement of safe work practices.

Supervises staff, coordinating and planning work.

• Enables results with the organization’s human capital strategy to foster employee engagement.
• Provides training and development, coaching and discipline when necessary.
• Ensures focus is service excellence, communication/transparency, innovation, and data integrity.
• Ensures Occupational Health & Safety policies, programs and practices are implemented and maintained.

Special Requirements

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check.
• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY! Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application. We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, please contact us.

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department