The Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Specialist guides the development of programs, tools and training that support the critical elements of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) to ensure regulatory compliance with the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations, standards and best practices. The OH&S Specialist is responsible for providing direction to all levels of management to effectively and efficiently implement the OHSMS. The OH&S Consultant is responsible to continuously audit the OHSMS to ensure compliance with the act and applicable regulations.
The OH&S Consultant works collaboratively with the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) and the Workplace Safety Teams to ensure they are established, and functioning as required in the act. This position acts as a resource to assist in investigating and identifying corrective actions regarding health and safety issues. They will be responsible for providing expert safety services to all facilities/departments of Build NS.
The OH&S Specialist acts as a liaison with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Utilizing outstanding communication skills, the OH&S Specialist supports a culture of safety by providing direction to all levels of the organization with respect to integrating safety into their operations.
Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)
- Responsible for the development and communication of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS).
- Responsible for the development of tools and training materials required to implement and support the OHSMS program.
- Ensure the JOHSC is established, maintained and functioning as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act of NS.
- Ensure that the OHSMS is being implemented throughout Build NS.
- Provides direction and support to senior leaders to ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities under the OHS Act and OHSMS.
- Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations, by supporting and guiding managers and leaders.
- Ensure the continuing review of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System and Health and Safety processes or initiatives.
Hazard Assessments and Control
- Responsible for the development of the hazard assessment and control program to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and the OHSMS.
- Ensure that managers are conducting hazard assessments and implementing appropriate and required controls.
- Develop training tools to assist managers and staff when implementing the hazard assessment program.
- Act as a resource to facilitate the hazard assessment process to ensure that hazards are appropriately identified, ranked and controlled.
- Provide guidance and recommendations to management for implementation of controls for identified hazards.
Inspections, Investigations and Auditing
- Ensure contractors are qualified and have adequate health and safety plans to work for us through review of their documents and safety audits where necessary.
- Responsible for the development of the inspection program to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and OHSMS.
- Develop training tools to assist managers and staff for completing the inspection program.
- Support the JOHSC to achieve their responsibilities with respect to workplace inspections.
- Assist managers and senior leaders, when required, in completing and implementing recommendations from incident investigation reports.
- Ensure that incidents are being investigated by the departmental manager/director responsible.
- Guide, assist and lead investigations that pose a significant risk to the health safety and wellness of staff.
- Stop unsafe work and/or unsafe construction projects on the property of Build NS that may be in violation of the OH&S Act.
- Liaise with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education for external inspections or compliance orders.
- Report to the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, any incident required as per the OH&S Act.
- Assist with responses to any Compliance Order issued by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
- Conducts safety inspections/audits as required.
OH&S Education and Training
- Develop and conduct Occupational Health and Safety training to support the OHSMS.
- Develop necessary education and training presentations, as required, to support staff and managers.
- Support the development and delivery of necessary training on priority Occupational Health and Safety program requirements.
- Provide continuous, site specific, as required or requested to support staff and managers implement the OHSMS.
- Provide timely, accurate and expert interpretation of the OH&S legislation as well as industry standards and best practices.
- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in the area of Occupational Health and Safety.
- College diploma or University degree/certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
- Completion of Occupational Health and Safety Certificate or Certificate of Health Safety and Environmental Processes or equivalent.
- Canadian Registered Safety Professional certification completed or eligible to write within 3 years of hire.
- Membership in good standing with professional or industry association if applicable is an asset.
- Valid Class 5 driver's license with the ability to travel to worksites as needed.
- Additional training/certification in areas of safety is an asset.
Share This Job:
