Health and Safety Advisor

destinationone has partnered with the City of Maple Ridge to hire for this Health and Safety Advisor role.

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, Employee & Labour Relations and Health & Safety, the Health & Safety Advisor provides strategic and operational leadership in the development, implementation, and oversight of the City’s health and safety programs. This role not only ensures compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements but also acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and management on complex health and safety issues.

The incumbent will lead initiatives that enhance workplace safety culture, drive continuous improvement, and integrate health and safety practices into organizational strategy. The Health & Safety Advisor collaborates with departments to assess risks, develop proactive solutions, implement safety programs, and manage complex incidents or claims. Work assignments are typically self-initiated and require advanced professional judgment, critical thinking, and leadership in accordance with established policies. Performance is evaluated based on achievement of departmental goals, organizational outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert advice and guidance to management, supervisors, and employees on complex health and safety matters, including regulatory interpretation, risk mitigation, and program implementation.
  
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the City’s Safety Management System, ensuring compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations.
  
• Develop, maintain, and communicate strategic health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring integration with corporate objectives and operational practices.
  
• Conduct high-level risk assessments across multiple departments and advise on proactive strategies to minimize hazards and improve workplace safety culture.
  
• Lead complex investigations of accidents, incidents, and near misses, analyzing root causes, recommending corrective actions, and reporting findings to senior leadership and regulatory authorities.
  
• Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive health and safety training programs, tailored to the needs of various employee groups, and provide coaching to supervisors on safety leadership.
  
• Assist with WSBC claims management, including return-to-work programs, accommodations, and appeals, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with City objectives.
  
• Conduct audits and inspections of City facilities, programs, and operations, providing strategic recommendations to enhance safety performance.
  
• Develop and coordinate emergency response plans, business continuity strategies, and safety drills; advise leadership on best practices and compliance.
  
• Plan and carry out regular and annual audits and inspections across City facilities and operations to identify non-compliance issues, assess risk, and recommend practical improvements to enhance overall safety performance.
  
• Lead and coordinate the City’s first aid program, ensuring staff are properly trained, certified, and equipped, and that practices align with current best-practice standards.
  
• Serve as a liaison with external regulatory bodies, industry associations, and training providers to influence health and safety standards and stay current on emerging trends.
  
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and projects that enhance employee safety, wellness, and compliance, including supporting HR programs that integrate disability, attendance, and wellness strategies.
  
• Prepare and present complex reports, analyses, and recommendations for senior management and external agencies.
  
• Mentor and provide guidance to JOHS committee members and staff, promoting professional development, knowledge sharing, and succession planning within the team.