Health and Safety Specialist

Get to know Sleeman Breweries

At Sleeman Breweries, our people make us exceptional. We’re a company founded by entrepreneurs, and that spirit is alive and thriving today. If you want to make your mark, this is the place for you – and we want to work with you!

While we’re Canada’s third-largest brewer, we’re also a place where you can get to know everyone’s name and they’ll get to know yours. People here care about what they do and the people they work with.

Our commitment to our people and our values are clear. In 2023, we were named one of Canada’s Best Employers (Forbes Magazine) and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

What you’ll get

To attract top-tier talent, we offer top-tier benefits:

• Compensation that’s a step ahead
• RRSP matching program to help you save for retirement
• A commitment to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements when appropriate for the role
• Benefits coverage for partners and kids
• Parental leave top-up for primary and secondary caregivers
• Employee beer credit
• Tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees
• Employee and family assistance program
• Discount program with access to perks from big brands and local favourites

What you’ll do – The opportunity

Position:

Health and Safety Specialist

Location:

Vernon, British Columbia

Level:

Individual Contributor

Hiring Range:

75,100 to 93,000

Description:

Reporting to the National Manager, Environmental, Health and Safety the Health and Safety Specialist will lead the execution of a regional health and safety program and support and promote Sleeman's internal responsibility system including all associated facilitation, training and communication. They will work with all areas of the organization to support related continuous improvement initiatives and the development and implementation of efficient and effective health and safety process controls. This position will be based out of our Okanagan Springs Brewery in Vernon, BC.

Responsibilities:

• Act as primary contact for government inspectors (WorkSafeBC) during critical incidences and inspections. Support and advise management on associated orders and required actions
• Act as occupational health and safety (OHS) subject matter expert. Train, advise, coach, and mentor management with respect to their roles and responsibilities in OHS
• Lead the management team in the establishment of the health and safety strategic direction for Vernon and Delta, including identification of development needs and alignment of OHS programs and systems to achieve business results
• Lead the annual safety system audit. Prepare and report on gaps and opportunities derived from the audit to management. Develop associated action plans for Vernon and Delta to close gaps following good project management practices. Monitor progress and provide regular updates to management
• Monitor developments in OHS legislation to assess business impact and response; anticipate and develop related regional strategies and programs
• Adhere to legislation such as the Workers Compensation Act, OHS Regulations, Labour Relations Act and Employment Standards Act.
• Support and train management and/or conduct departmental hazard identification and risk assessment processes and document and maintain data in Risk Registry (e.g. annual or ad- hoc reviews)
• Maintain adherence to quality and food safety standards, risk prevention, food security and protection programs
• Review/lead incident investigations for quality and effectiveness of proposed action plans; train staff in investigation techniques and provide recommendations for follow-up, as required. Submit incident investigations to government inspectors WorkSafeBC) when required.
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, lead associated site specific drills, and support national crisis management processes, as required
• Develop various communication tools for safety programs (e.g., Tool Box Talks, Sleeman TV) as required
• Manage regional workplace injury claims and Return to Work (RTW) processes including preparing and submitting all related government required documentation; maintain regular communication with medical professionals, injured employee, and management.
• Work collaboratively with National Disability Manager to create and monitor RTW plans, track progress and update management and workers’ compensation representatives; support RTW planning for STD/LTD claims.
• Manage various health and safety related contracts (e.g., external training services, safety equipment suppliers) and ensure services meet agreed upon terms; support/provide input to contract negotiation, as required.
• Lead and/or support various health and safety and continuous improvement related projects (including capital), as required.
• Lead regional health and safety related committees (e.g., JHSC)
• Develop, deliver, and Coordinate, health and safety training and education including conducting initial new hire orientations (specifically WHMIS training) and conducting training in targeted program areas (e.g., confined space, lockout) as required
• Participate in site environmental Green Team and support site environmental initiatives
• Perform other related duties as required

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in occupational health and safety or related field
• Minimum 5 years of health and safety experience in a manufacturing and distribution environment
• CRSP designation or working towards required
• Experience dealing with government bodies, (e.g., WCB, WCAT, Employers Advisors)
• Mechanical aptitude considered an asset
• Comprehensive knowledge of OHS legislation combined with training in hazard recognition, assessment and control
• Experience working in a unionized environment considered an asset
• Experience working in a food and beverage industry considered an asset
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Strong attention to detail and very organized.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to build strong working relationships both internal and external to the organization
• Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations

Working Conditions

• Perform work in a production environment approximately 30% of the time
• Travel required approximately 15%-20% of the time

Think you have what we need, but your credentials don’t perfectly line up? You should apply! We know that folks in some equity-deserving groups miss opportunities if they think their qualifications don’t fit. We would love to chat about your skills and experience and see how we might work together.

What matters here

We like you just the way you are. We believe in creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee helps us live up to that commitment.

You’re welcome here no matter your sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion/creed, language, national or ethnic background, Indigenous identity, race, colour, neurodivergence, or disability status. We’re an equal-pay employer and believe in opportunity for everyone.

Need an accommodation during the application process? Let us know!

What we make

Our consumers know we create some of the best beers in Canada from our breweries across the country: Sleeman, Okanagan Spring, Unibroue, and Wild Rose. And we’re growing into new and innovative spaces with our ready-to-drink SoCIAL LITE line.

Get an inside look at what it’s like working at Sleeman Breweries by following @lifeatsleeman on Instagram. We think you’ll like working here!

We thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected to proceed will be contacted.