Occupational Hygienist/Safety Specialist, Occupational Safety

Job Description

Sinai Health is looking for an experienced safety professional to join its Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) team. Working under the leadership of the Manager, Occupational Safety, and working together with the other Safety Specialists, the role of the Safety Specialist/Occupational Hygienist supports, develops and implements OHS policies and programs for all Sinai Health locations. Examples of these policies and programs include: Occupational Hygiene (air quality, mould, asbestos, heat/cold stress, vibration, radiation and noise), Respiratory Protection, Personal Protective Equipment, Workplace Violence Prevention, Chemical Control, Contractor Safety Management, Hazardous Drugs, Slips/Trips/Falls Prevention, Laser Safety, and Ergonomics. This position will play a key role in coordinating, developing, and implementing departmental goals and projects.

The successful candidate will provide expert knowledge of occupational hygiene and OHS principles. The incumbent will support Sinai Health in ensuring compliance with OHS legislation and avoidance of financial penalties through program and policy development, completing hazard identification risk assessments, development and delivery of training and education, committee support (JHSC, Emergency Preparedness, Laser Safety Committee, Workplace Violence Prevention, etc.), program monitoring and auditing, safety inspections, incident investigations, and collecting, analyzing and reporting on relevant data to various stakeholders.

About this team:

The Occupational Safety Team is responsible for supporting a safe and healthy workplace by developing and implementing health and safety programs which deliver high quality, evidence based best practices while ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other legislative requirements. They communicate, engage, and collaborate with management and employees to develop strategies to prevent, control and eliminate occupational injuries, address safety concerns, and implement improvements. Responsibilities include conducting regular safety inspections, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, providing safety training and education to employees, investigating accidents and near-miss incidents, supporting Joint Health and Safety Committees and promoting a culture of safety within the organization.

In this role you will:

• Develop, communicate and implement occupational health and safety policies and programs; perform audits and evaluate these programs, using audit results to revise existing programs ensuring compliance with legislative requirements
• Gain a thorough understanding of all operational environments and build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to keep pace with Occupational Health & Safety developments
• Provide core occupational hygiene services including indoor air quality assessments and occupational hygiene surveys; be responsible for identifying and evaluating exposures to chemical, physical, and biological hazards and recommending control measures; manage servicing of all occupational hygiene equipment
• Provide core safety services (e.g., incident management, risk assessments, workplace violence prevention, selection and use of personal protective equipment, ergonomics assessments, occupational health and safety training, etc.)
• Lead and participate in organizational committees (e.g., JHSC, Emergency Preparedness, Workplace Violence Prevention, Laser Safety Committee, etc.)
• Develop end user documentation and provide support and training for departments and team members regarding OHS policies and procedures
• Provide guidance and advice to departments on the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and applicable legislation
• Monitor and analyze trends; keep apprised of new or revised legislation to maintain and enhance current plans, policies and procedures; anticipate the impact of changes on the organization and promote legislative compliance and best practices
• Proactively identify workplace hazards such as biological agents, chemical agents, physical agents, and safety issues; evaluate the potential for staff exposure to these workplace hazards and assess the risk to staff and others within the organization; assess the need for interventions to comply with occupational health, safety or environmental laws; and determine control measures to eliminate or minimize the risk to staff and the organization
• Ensure evidence-based solutions are implemented to address hazards and advance occupational health and safety best practices (e.g., the implementation of engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, laboratory safety, waste management, ergonomic interventions, etc.)
• Represent SH in liaising with government agencies (MLTSD, accreditors, contractors, etc.)
• Perform other duties related to the position as assigned

Job Requirements

Job Requirements:

Mandatory

• College or University graduate in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial/Occupational Hygiene, and/or Engineering or Applied Science
• 3 years of previous experience in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene role

Preferred

• Master’s level degree in Occupational Hygiene
• 3 years of previous experience in a healthcare setting
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Canadian Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH) designation an asset

Skills and Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of legislation and regulations covering Occupational Health and Safety (e.g. OHSA, Healthcare and Residential Facilities Regulation, Designated Substances, etc.)
• Well versed in operating hygiene equipment (IAQ, noise monitors, air sampling pumps)
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, staff- and patient-focused environment
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated tact and experience in leading workplace parties through complex health & safety issues
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize work and set priorities
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate departmental goals and objectives
• Ability to analyze information needs critically and logically
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Collaborate with a team, providing mentorship and leadership in the execution of projects
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Sinai Health’s comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety
• Proven good attendance record with capability of maintaining this same standard