Health, Safety, Environment Coordinator

Job Summary

The BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) is located at the BC Children's Hospital and is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The research community based at the BCCHR is comprised mostly of UBC faculty, staff, and students.

This position will be responsible for the coordination, planning, administration, promotion, and support to ensure that all BCCHR labs are fully compliant with lab safety requirements and other applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards (ex. WorkSafe BC, BC Fire Code, etc.). This role performs lab inspections of chemical use and storage areas and participates in training and presentations with Bio and Chem safety, and fire and security. This role supports BCCHR towards fulfilling their HSE roles through awareness, training, and coaching as required.

Organizational Status

This position reports directly to the Director, BCCHR Facilities and supports the Coordinator, BCCHR Facilities. This position interacts with administrative units and all levels of the BCCHR research community and plays an integral role in the functioning of departmental responsibilities in respect to operational safety.

Work Performed

• Provides advice to the BCCHR research community and technical staff on health and safety issues including safe handling, storage, disposal of hazardous materials, chemical hazard recognition, assessment and control, emergency response, worksite inspections and incident investigations; provides consultation and guidance to ensure HSE compliance and operational safety of research programs and services.
• Conducts workplace inspections of BCCHR research laboratories to verify compliance with WorkSafe BC, BC Fire Code, UBC policies and procedures, and best practices.
• Provides guidance on chemical hazard assessment, administrative controls and procedures that ensure safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Reports all inspection findings to the Director and Coordinator of BCCHR Facilities.
• Develops course material and participates in teaching of BCCHR Safety Programs . Provides specialized / tailored sessions as required to PIs, staff, and students.
• Oversees the appropriate classification, removal, and storage of chemical and biological wastes from research areas in the Research Institute.
• Responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated HSE program and associated awareness and training strategy at BCCHR.
• Supports the development and implementation of BCCHR’s worksite inspections and incident investigation programs and to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• provides consultation and training to laboratory and operational personnel regarding proper response to chemical spills and releases.
• Serves as a member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
• Conducts other related duties as directed to support the implantation of HSE objectives.

Consequence of Error / Judgement

This position supports the implementation of safety, hygiene, and chemical waste programs and practices which conform to various federal, provincial, and municipal regulations through the development and implementation of safety training, consultation, and inspection programs. Inadequate training or consultation could result in serious injury or disease to PIs, staff, and students; loss of equipment or facilities, fine and legal liability to BCCHR as well as a loss of reputation to BCCHR.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Director, BCCHR Facilities and works closely with the Coordinator, BCCHR Facilities.

This position will also interact directly with PIs, staff, and students .

Supervision Given

This position does not directly supervise staff. This position provides functional supervision to ensure compliance of all individuals, including PIs, staff, and students in their handling of chemical hazards.

Minimum Qualifications

College Diploma in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one year experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications