Health & Safety Coordinator

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

The Role

Supports the health and safety team in planning, developing, and implementing programs to ensure compliance with legislation, policies and procedures, including the corporate health and safety and fleet safety management systems (SMS). Researches and assists to develop training, documentation practices, policies, procedures, and programs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of corporate health and safety and fleet safety management systems (SMS) and related programs through risk assessments, training and development, research, guidance, and action plans, as directed. Consults with advisors, client areas, and/or corporate fleet management, throughout the risk assessment process to obtain/provide information. Works with management to develop and implement risk management of controls.
• Assists to communicate changes and information to client areas and stakeholders (e.g., proper methods for task completion, SMS communication materials, tailgate meetings).
• Assists supervisors to conduct incident investigations, determine root cause and complete paperwork. Implements plans and makes recommendations to management on reduction of risk and incident reoccurrence.
• Conducts research and external surveys to provide information for advisors related to issues involving exposure/potential exposure to chemical, physical, or biological agents; and to develop operational guides, procedures, and training resources for specific equipment/client areas, for management approval.
• Conducts standard training (e.g., WHMIS).
• Assists to plan and implement strategies to identify regulatory compliance requirements, with advisors. Coordinates with advisors to develop and maintain a compliance requirement database, and coordinates/assists in resolving non-compliance issues.
• Supports the Workplace Violence Prevention program. Provides input into education, training, and resources, with guidance from Section staff, and performs related research.
• Provides advice to corporate fleet regarding standards and specifications to ensure vehicles, equipment, and materials meet safety regulations/codes and policies. Researches new vehicles and equipment and recommends corrective measures/options. Assists in the selection, testing, repair, and maintenance of safety devices and personal protective equipment. Reviews engineering specifications/standards from a fleet safety perspective and translates into plain language for procedures/learning resources.
• Conducts external surveys; researches new legislation and best practices; and determines relevancy to the Region; provides recommendations to advisors and management.
• Investigates and assesses employee concerns (e.g., working conditions, equipment, methods, procedures) in support of advisors. Researches and recommends corrective measures and design changes to mitigate and control workplace hazards and risk.
• Assists to develop/implement emergency procedures (e.g., fire drills, fire plans, evacuation plans, bomb threats). Provides advice and assistance on departmental emergency planning to advisors.
• Coordinates/organizes meeting logistics (e.g., schedules rooms and equipment, compiles information, prepares agendas, takes minutes). Coordinates logistics for special training programs provided by consultants, as required.
• Maintains documentation and records. Reviews history files related to issues or employees.
• Contacts vendors, suppliers, and training consultants for information and price quotes.
• Responds to general inquiries, and refers those outside of scope to Section staff.
• Performs related duties, as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of occupational health and safety, practices relating to fleet safety, vehicle and equipment operation (including commercial motor vehicles), and detection and corrective techniques associated with hazards and unsafe conditions, normally acquired through a college diploma/university degree in a related field (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety, Science, Engineering, or other supplemented by health and safety courses) plus related experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, legislation/regulations, codes, and standards (e.g., occupational health and safety, electrical, fire, Highway Traffic Act, Transport Canada, National Safety Code, CSA standards and practices) pertinent to industrial and healthcare workplaces and construction projects. Ability to keep current on regulations and technological changes.
• Analytical, research, and problem solving skills to analyze, interpret, and apply health and safety principles to jobs; conduct research; and participate in training and SMS program development.
• Communication and human relations skills to provide guidance, assistance, and advice to all levels of staff; explain processes and procedures; persuade stakeholders to comply with policies and procedures; conduct training; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret health and safety and fleet safety legislation, codes, standards, and practices. Ability to write/draft procedures, instructions, recommendations, reports, and related correspondence; and understand and translate technical information into plain language.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and safety management programs.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.