Safety Specialist

Sinai Health is a leading academic health science centre and a trailblazer for integrated care across the health continuum. Our fusion of science, innovation, care and learning has earned us international, national and provincial leadership for unique programs and compassionate care. Since 2015, Sinai Health has delivered excellent care in hospital, community and home. Comprised of Mount Sinai Hospital, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and our system partner Circle of Care, Sinai Health discovers and translates scientific breakthroughs, pushes boundaries for health solutions, and educates future clinical and scientific leaders.

At Sinai Health, we care, create possibilities and offer hope. We are 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: Respiratory Protection, Personal Protective Equipment, Workplace Violence Prevention, Occupational Hygiene (air quality, mould, asbestos, heat/cold stress, vibration, radiation and noise), WHMIS, Confined Spaces, Contractor Safety Management, Anaesthetic Gases, Antineoplastic Agents, Slips/Trips/Falls Prevention, Sharps Injury Prevention, and Ergonomics. This position will play a key role in coordinating, developing, and implementing departmental goals and projects.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The role of the Safety Specialist/Occupational Hygienist is responsible for the following:

- Develops, communicates and implements occupational health and safety policies and programs. Performs audits and evaluates these programs, using audit results to revise existing programs ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
- Gains a thorough understanding of all operational environments and builds relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to keep pace with Occupational Health & Safety developments.
- Provides core occupational hygiene services including indoor air quality assessments and occupation hygiene surveys. Responsible for identifying and evaluating exposures to chemical, physical, and biological hazards and recommending control measures.
- Provides core safety services (e.g., risk assessments, spill and emergency response, 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, etc.).
- Develops end user documentation and provides support and training for departments and team members regarding OHS policies and procedures.
- Monitors and analyzes trends; keeps apprised of new or revised legislation to maintain and enhance current plans, policies and procedures; anticipates the impact of changes on the organization and promotes legislative compliance and best practices.
- Proactively identifies workplace hazards such as biological agents, chemical agents, physical agents, and safety issues; evaluates the potential for staff exposure to these workplace hazards and assesses the risk to staff and others within the organization; assesses the need for interventions to comply with occupational health, safety or environmental laws; and determines control measures to eliminate or minimize the risk to staff and the organization.
- Ensures 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.).
- Represents SH in liaising with government agencies (MLTSD, accreditors, contractors, etc.).
- Performs other duties related to the position as assigned.
- Job Requirements- College or University graduate in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial/Occupational Hygiene, and/or Engineering or Applied Science.
- 3-5 years or more experience in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene role, preferably in a healthcare setting.
- Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Canadian Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH) designation an asset.
- 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 indoor air quality equipment.
- 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 thr