Health and Safety Officer

Position Summary A WLUSA employee, reporting to the Manager, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the Health and Safety Officer is responsible for supporting the development, implementation and continuous improvement of occupational health and safety programs across Wilfrid Laurier University. The role promotes a proactive safety culture through the development of safe work procedures, regulatory compliance, and ongoing education and engagement with university stakeholders. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations, ensuring that Facilities and Asset Management (FAM), Food Services, and the broader university community meet legislative and institutional requirements. This includes conducting risk assessments, workplace inspections, incident investigations, and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence and reduce workplace hazards. The role will work collaboratively with CUPE Local 926, FAM leadership, Aramark (food services), university contractors and the university community to address safety concerns, implement programs and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures. This position will also contribute to the development and delivery of training programs, support Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) functions and assist in monitoring safety performance through reporting and program evaluation with the Safety Management System (SMS). The Health and Safety Officer will also support broader SHERM initiatives and contribute to fostering a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement in workplace health and safety. This position has a university-wide mandate. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, Brantford Campus, Kitchener location, Milton Campus, and any future locations. Accountabilities University Wide Accountabilities Provide guidance on safe work procedures and risk mitigation measures to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and University policies and procedures. Support the development, implementation, communication, auditing, and continuous improvement of health and safety programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines in collaboration with SHERM and assigned partners Conduct and document incident investigations including critical injuries and provides feedback/education to supervisors on their investigative techniques and corrective actions. Coordinate and administer the Contract Labour Program, ensuring compliance of approved contractors and vendors. Perform respirator fit testing and administer the respiratory protection program. Leads the ergonomic program, including in-person and virtual assessments and recommendations. Provide operational support to SHERM including backfilling positions and assisting with departmental projects. Coordinate, deliver and evaluate health and safety training and awareness programs to promote safe work practices and reduce incidents. Coordinate activities with internal and external partners to ensure consistent application of health and safety requirements. Contribute to departmental initiatives, projects and emerging priorities to support operational effectiveness. Support Fire and Life Safety programing and activities, as required. Support psychological safety initiatives. Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position. FAM Accountabilities Implement, monitor and evaluate FAM-related safety policies, procedures, programs and guidelines within FAM. Deliver and coordinate FAM health and safety training and awareness programs to reduce incidents and promote safe work practises. Advise FAM leadership and supervisors on health and safety requirements, risk mitigation and compliance obligations. Support FAM supervisors in fulfilling responsibilities related to service work, maintenance and contractor management. Coordinates and maintains the safety data sheet (SDS) inventory for FAM. Administer and support key safety programs including: Electrical Awareness, Lockout/Tagout, Fall Arrest, Ladder Safety, Asbestos and Mould Awareness, New Employee Orientation, WHMIS and Respiratory Protection. Maintain training records, including documentation for off-site and external training. Facilitates investigation and resolution of workplace safety concerns in collaboration with union representatives. Provide ergonomic coaching to reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks. Lead and oversee workplace inspections programs ensuring deficiencies are documented, tracked, and resolved. Provide direction and support to the CUPE secondment position to ensure tasks are completed effectively, and appropriate training and resources are in place. Food Services Accountabilities Implement and monitors compliance of policies, procedures, programs and guidelines associated with the OHSA within Food Services. Coordinate and deliver safety training and awareness programs to support safe operations and reduce incident rates. Conduct incident investigations and recommend corrective actions in collaboration with Food Services management. Perform regular workplace inspections and ensure corrective actions are tracked and completed. Advise Food Services (Aramark) management on compliance with safety programs, procedures and training requirements. Utilize Pervidi software to log hazards, track deficiencies and initiate corrective work orders. Qualifications College diploma or certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field, combined with three to five years of progressively responsible occupational health and safety experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Professional health and safety designation (e.g., CRSP, CRST, NCSO) or actively working toward certification is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), applicable regulations and health and safety best practices, including experience developing and implementing safe work procedures and programs. Experience conducting workplace inspections, audits, hazard assessments and incident investigations, and recommending corrective actions to mitigate risk. Strong organizational, communication and facilitation skills, with experience delivering training and communicating technical information to diverse audiences. Ability to interpret legislation, policies and procedures; manage multiple priorities; and establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, union representatives, contractors and members of the University community. Hours of work The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to training. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week. This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement, as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy). All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. In-person attendance for events, as required to meet operational needs, is expected. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements. Compensation Level: E Rate of Pay: $42.83 - $45.28 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date to $48.95 per hour. Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job. Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors. Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact People and Culture. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wilfrid Laurier University