Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

We are looking to add an Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Specialist who will work closely with our team to meet the VFPA’s occupational health and safety commitment, objectives and responsibilities. You will be involved in the development, deployment and maintenance of the Occupational Health and Safety Program, Hazard Prevention Program and Contractor Safety Management Program.

You will provide support and advice to staff in relation to health and safety requirements and best practices. A key part of your role will be to develop requirements for the health and safety systems and maintain and provide training for users. We are seeking creative thinkers who take on the roles of coach and advisor in partnering with different business units to champion our health and safety practices and policies. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Health and Safety Program Coordination

• Oversee, develop, and implement the Hazard Prevention Program and related safe work procedures, field level hazard assessments, and associated guidelines.
• Facilitate the implementation and annual review of departmental-specific hazard identification, assessment and control process, including identification of specific control requirements (hierarchy of control methodology).
• Research, implement and maintain technology systems that support the occupational health and safety program and contractor safety management, including providing training to users
• Develop, implement and coordinate the contractor safety management program for all contractors.
• Support departments such as Infrastructure and Engineering and Maintenance in relation to contractor safety, including review of pre-qualification requirements, site inspections and submission reviews.
• Coordinate and maintain annual reporting metrics and requirements for the OH&S program.
• Support the activities of the Health and Safety Policy Committee, and represent the safety team at meetings, as required.
• Coordinate and conduct accident and incident investigations, including ensuring appropriate documentation is completed and submitted.

Emergency Management

• Assist with planning and coordination of various departmental and stakeholder emergency drills and exercises.
• Support the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) during EOC activation for various emergencies.
• Support the Emergency Management Specialist / Program as required.

The ideal candidate must be a self-motivated individual with excellent leadership qualities, and sound judgment and demonstrate commitment to a healthy and safe workplace for self and others. Must have excellent customer service, superior interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Must be able to work within a team environment as well as independently. Must have a high level of trust and confidentiality. Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and proactively address shifting priorities. A results-orientated approach is required along with attention to detail and accuracy.

The successful candidate will have completed a two-year full-time diploma in occupational health and safety or another acceptable discipline from a recognized educational institution, along with a minimum of 4 years of occupational health and safety experience, including:

• conducting formal risk identification, assessment and control elements, and implementation of a hazard prevention program;
• practical experience in addressing safety issues and concerns;
• contractor safety management program implementation or coordination;
• ergonomics and manual handling program coordination;
• implementing and maintaining safety technology systems;
• working within an Incident Command Systems;
• conducting training and providing presentations to a large number of cross-functional groups, and
• formal project management experience is an asset

General occupational health and safety knowledge including working knowledge of the Canada Labour Code and WorkSafeBC Acts and regulations are required. Proficiency in Word suite, and Sharepoint or similar, is required. Possession of or working towards a CRSP (Canadian Registered Safety Professional) certification or equivalent is considered an asset.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office conditions with regular exposure to outside weather conditions.

Marine Transportation Security Clearance

This position is required to access restricted areas/information. The incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid Marine Transportation Security Clearance as defined by the Marine Transportation Security Regulations.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including an Earned Time Off program.

The health and safety of employees is a priority and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is committed to ensuring a safe workplace. Vaccinations, in combination with other preventative health and safety measures, offer the best available protection against COVID-19 and that is why port authority employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment.

Candidates may be accommodated for this requirement if they are approved for a legal exemption; accommodation may be requested only for religious and medical reasons, or other protected grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act. If you’re seeking accommodation to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, please indicate your request during the recruitment process.

This work is Canadian-based employment and expected to be performed from our Vancouver office location

Please note this posting will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At the port authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community.