Health and Safety Manager

TITLE: Health and Safety Manager

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Director, Human Resources

SALARY RANGE: $93,815 - $117,268

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, the Health and Safety Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the District's Occupational Health and Safety Program. The incumbent is responsible for the development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of health and safety policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives that promote a safe and healthy work environment and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. The Health and Safety Manager serves as the District's subject matter expert on occupational health and safety matters, providing leadership, consultation, coaching, and guidance to school and site-based administrators, managers, supervisors, employees, Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees, and union representatives. The position is responsible for fostering a proactive safety culture through risk management, education, incident prevention, program development, compliance monitoring, and continuous improvement. The Health and Safety Manager works collaboratively across the organization to identify emerging risks, establish measurable safety objectives, support organizational priorities, and promote workplace health and safety excellence throughout the District.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Develop, implement, and monitor the District's long-term Occupational Health and Safety Strategy in alignment with organizational priorities
• Lead the strategy, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the District's Occupational Health and Safety Management System, including achievement and maintenance of Certificate of Recognition (COR) certification
• Develop annual health and safety work plans, objectives, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives that support a proactive safety culture.
• Identify and collaborate on emerging trends in workplace accidents, while working with HR to develop seasonal workplace safety directives to engage and educate employees on how to maintain their safety
• Analyze injury, incident, inspection, absenteeism, and claims data to identify trends, emerging risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead organizational health and safety initiatives aligned with District strategic priorities
• Ensure health and safety considerations are integrated into operational planning, project planning, emergency preparedness, and organizational initiatives
• Accountable for the development, implementation, coordination, administration and evaluation of health and safety policies, procedures, and programs for all aspects of occupational health and safety, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and regulations
• Serves as the District's primary resource and subject matter expert for workplace health and safety inquiries and concerns
• Provide professional advice, guidance, and technical expertise on occupational health and safety matters to administrators, supervisors, and employees
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership regarding occupational health and safety risks, legislative changes, and emerging industry best practices
• Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and updates regarding health and safety performance, compliance, and risk management to senior leadership
• Manage health and safety budgets and external service providers, where applicable
• Chair the District Health and Safety Committee and collaborate with exempt staff, union representatives, and Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee members to promote a positive safety culture throughout the District
• Liaise with all school- and site-based Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees to ensure they fulfill their legislated responsibilities under the Workers Compensation Act
• Foster collaborative relationships with employees, administrators, unions, and other stakeholders to support workplace health and safety initiatives
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources and other departments in support of organizational goals and employee well-being
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver occupational health and safety training, education, and awareness programs
• Coordinate mandatory health and safety training and compliance requirements
• Support principals, vice-principals, managers, supervisors, and committee members through education, coaching, and guidance regarding their health and safety responsibilities
• Promote continuous improvement through the identification and implementation of occupational health and safety best practices
• Demonstrate and promote innovation and strategic solutions that foster a culture of safety, engagement, inclusion, and accountability.
• Conduct and oversee workplace inspections, incident investigations, risk assessments, and audits to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Ensure timely reporting, investigation, and follow-up of incidents, injuries, and hazardous conditions in accordance with legislative requirements
• Act as the District representative with WorkSafeBC Prevention Officers and coordinate responses to inquiries, inspections, reports, and regulatory orders
• Provide health and safety expertise and support to the District emergency preparedness initiatives, including collaborating with municipal and provincial emergency planning agencies, as required
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with employees, administrators, union representatives, and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, including sound judgment, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong diplomacy and consultation skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and work effectively in a diverse, multi-unionized environment
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and creating respectful workplaces.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, standards, and claims management practices, including the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
• Considerable knowledge of workplace inspections, incident prevention techniques, risk assessment methodologies, and occupational hazards across diverse work environments.
• Ability to lead workplace inspections, conduct investigations, analyze incidents, and identify appropriate corrective and preventative measures
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop practical solutions
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex issues, multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and organizational change initiatives
• Superior organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with software applications used for health and safety program administration, reporting, and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Human Resources, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• Minimum five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive occupational health and safety experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating occupational health and safety management systems, programs, and organizational initiatives
• Experience leading organizational change and fostering a culture of safety within a complex, multi-site organization
• Experience working in a complex, multi-site, unionized environment
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation preferred. Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) certification or an equivalent occupational health and safety designation will be considered
• Demonstrated knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations, the Workers Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related legislation
• Experience in the public sector and/or K-12 education sector is considered an asset