Contractor Safety Specialist

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**:
Reporting to the Lead, Workplace, Health, Safety, is responsible for administering the contractor safety policy and programs; providing occupational health and safety expertise to the Region’s Project Managers; monitoring and ensuring that Contractors establish and maintain a safe and healthy workplace and comply with all applicable legislation while working on behalf of the Region; conducting health and safety audits of Contractor projects; and inspecting Regional projects and work operations to promote hazard awareness and encourage safe work practices; liaises with the Ministry of Labour on compliance matters related to Regional contractors.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**

Conducts physical inspections of workplace, equipment and machinery at Regional work-sites for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and its Regulations and makes recommendations to the Region’s Project Managers and Health & Safety Specialists for improvement and/or promotion for safer work practices.
Participates in pre-construction and progress meetings with Project Managers and Contractors to provide consultation on matters of compliance related to the Region’s contractor safety program.
Conducts unannounced physical audits of projects the Region has contracted to assess compliance with the Region’s contractor safety program.
Reports all observations, concerns and comments on field audit reports.
Provides a copy of reports to the Site Supervisor prior to leaving the site and sends a copy to the Project Managers or Project Administrators.
Compiles statistical and technical data as required.
Leads the development, implementation and regular review of the contractor safety program.
Consults with client Departments and conducts assessments; researches, develops, implements and evaluates contractor safety program/procedures; recommends any program revisions in response to changing environment, legislative changes, employee/corporate needs and workplace experiences (i.e. incident trends, employee/management concerns).
Provides guidance and recommendations to management relating to compliance with all health and safety legislation, including both personal and corporate liability.
Follows up on outstanding documentation, ensuring that records are complete and in accordance with Regional standards and procedures.
Plans, designs, facilitates and/or delivers contractor and construction related health & safety training/learning opportunities for staff or customized safety training for clients, based on health & safety needs or legislative requirements.
Researches external providers for training where appropriate, and evaluates course content to ensure the needs of the client group are met.
Provides consultation to the Regions management staff on health and safety policy and procedure development/ revisions related to construction/contract projects.
Communicates the Region’s health and safety requirements and responsibilities during Regional worksite audits/inspections.
Performs other duties to meet Branch and Departmental objectives

**QUALIFICATIONS**

Successful completion of a University Degree in Occupational Health & Safety from a recognized university or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
Registered as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or equivalent specialty certification or eligibility for same.
Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.
Minimum three (3) years experience in health and safety, including field experience in construction
Sound knowledge of Construction Regulations (O. Reg. 213/91) and other relevant health and safety regulations and legislation.
Familiarity with WSI Act, CSA Standards, Highway Traffic Act, Building Codes, OH&S portion of the Criminal Code, etc. with the ability to communicate their significance and relevance to each situation.
Well-developed investigative and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret statistical data, to identify issues, write reports and make recommendations.
Knowledge of hazard identification including hazardous materials, construction and fire safety, physiological hazards, and environmental conditions.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies, including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.