Safety Consultant, Safety & Prevention

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Workforce Consultant, Safety and Prevention, Workplace Experience Network, reports to the Team Leader, works in a matrixed human resources (HR) environment, and is accountable for coordinating the development, implementation and evaluation of initiatives that promote safe work practices and working environments, with emphasis on Occupational Safety matters. The Workforce Consultant provides leadership to others by providing expertise in the area of occupational safety including the development and administration of programs throughout the PHSA. This position assesses and responds to needs identified by operational partners. The Workforce Consultant is a strategic partner to an assigned operational group, promoting and fostering a consultative and proactive problem solving employee relations approach and contributing to the overall strategic design and implementation of work processes that enable client groups to achieve their business outcomes.
The Workforce Consultant liaises with all levels of staff in the delivery of Injury Prevention programs and works closely with other HR staff to ensure organizational and department objectives as they relate to occupational safety. In addition, liaises with Patient Services/Program Directors and other department supervisory staff to ensure compliance with applicable legislation/regulations. Externally, the Workforce Consultant liaises with other OH&S professionals, WCB, and representatives of other hospitals to establish and utilize networks to maintain a pool of resources to meet the organization’s Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Builds effective partnerships within assigned client groups including developing a strong understanding of the operational partner services, encouraging development of the operational business strategic plan to maximize the potential of available human resources. Promotes HR corporate initiatives and services to facilitate understanding and cooperation.
• Counsels and advises operational management, supervisory and other staff with line authority for Occupational Health and Safety on methods to improve safety and comply with legislation such as WHMIS and WCB Safety legislation within their areas of authority. Provides expert advice to the Consultant, HR, operational partners and other HR colleagues.
• Conducts environmental safety surveillance of workplace to ensure safe work practices. Investigates accidents/other related incidents related to Occupational Health and Safety and recommends measures to prevent reoccurrence. Collaborates with the Practice Lead, Safety and Prevention on complex cases and as a member of the Community of Practice for Safety and Prevention
• Leads and/or participates in a variety of committees including those committees with a mandate involving occupational health and safety.
• Coordinates the development, implementation, direction and maintenance of PHSA wide Occupational Health and Safety programs including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) that meet organizational needs for safe standards of work practices and working environments.
• Utilizes client feedback to continually improve delivery of services. Supports the development of safety and injury preventions related quality indicators in day-to-day operations such as continuous quality improvement. Models behaviour that is consistent with the strategic direction of the organization. Recommends initiatives for improvement of the PHSA wide performance with respect to Occupational Health & Safety matters. Develops and/or teaches training programs designed to improve safe work practices and working environments.
• Remains current on occupational safety and injury prevention trends, issues and best practices through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations and attendance at seminars, workshops and educations programs.
• Assists in administrative systems such as inventory of existing products and material safety data sheets or WHMIS that support compliance with Federal, Provincial and other safety related legislation. Compiles, analyzes and maintains statistical data

Qualifications:

A level of education, training and experience equal to post-secondary education with a diploma from an accredited school in Occupational Health and Safety or relevant field and five (5) to seven (7) years of recent related experience in Occupational Health & Safety within an intermediate to large organization. Experience in providing these services in a in a health care setting is preferred.
Working knowledge and understanding of occupational health and safety principles with an emphasis on occupational health and safety. Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to occupational health and safety. Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing priorities and demands. Ability to be guided by standards of practice, WCB regulations and PHSA standards. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including verbal, written and presentation skills. Proven problem solving, decision-making and consulting skills, and the ability to facilitate the resolution of issues. Models a commitment to service and being a strategic HR business partner within a complex organization. Demonstrated ability to mentor and engage others to ensure success in the workplace. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a team and to work independently. Commitment to the value of continuous learning and an open curiosity for new ideas and innovation. Ability to prepare written reports and letters. Ability to present proposals. Ability to use related equipment including the HR information system, word processing, spreadsheet, database and internet tools.