Occupational Health and Safety Advisor

**Summary of Duties**
Reporting to the Manager, Health, Safety & Wellness, the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Advisor is responsible for assisting Service Areas in meeting their organizational responsibilities to Occupational Health & Safety legislation by providing expertise and advice to promote a culture of safety and ensure a safe work environment within the Corporation. In addition, the OH&S Advisor is responsible for investigating accidents, work refusals and liaising with Ministry of Labour on compliance matters. The OH&S Advisor leads the City of London’s Occupational Health and Safety Management Program, participating on Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees, assisting in the management of Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) claims and supports the return to work process.

**Work Performed**
- Interpret and monitor compliance with the _Occupational Health and Safety Act_ and Regulations, Ministry of Transportation (Ontario Traffic Code) and other pertinent codes and standards; liaise with and represent the Corporation in matters involving the regulatory authorities including the Ministry of Labour (Occupational Health & Safety Branch), Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), and Electrical Safety Association (ESA).
- Research, develop and advise on implementing hazard control measures for risk reduction. Provide leadership, direction, advice and assistance to management and staff on all health and safety related matters including technical and practical information, assistance and support regarding work refusals, health and safety concerns, injury and loss prevention, legislative and Corporate compliance, incident investigations, etc.
- Support and foster a culture of safety within the Corporation and by collaborating with Managers and Supervisors in other Service Areas to resolve health and safety issues. Consult with various areas in the development and ongoing monitoring of annual Continuous Improvement Programs (CIP) (i.e., objectives).
- Determine health and safety training needs at all organizational levels focusing on early intervention. Develop, coordinate and facilitate training courses and other instructional programs for the purpose of preventing injuries and meeting legislative compliance.
- Develop and maintain an occupational hygiene program; identify and evaluate exposures to chemical, physical and biological agents which may adversely affect the physical, mental and social well-being of workers; conduct sound level surveys, designated substance, confined space and ergonomic assessments.
- In consultation with Occupational Health personnel and Service provider, determine medical surveillance protocols as they relate to pre-placement health assessments, hearing conservation, respiratory protection and other health surveillance programs.
- Perform workplace audits and inspections to identify potential and actual hazards in facilities, work activities and health and safety programs to advise on preventative/corrective measures and compliance. Provide recommendations, direction and support for reducing risk in diverse service sectors such as construction, industrial, fire and health care.
- Perform ergonomic assessments; recommend and advise on measures for the prevention of injury and illness and to provide accommodation and comfort. Provide assistance to Return to Work Services as required.
- Develop workplace health, safety and wellness policies and procedures through consultation and researching and analysing options. Draft policies and procedures for approval and perform required training once adopted. Evaluate effectiveness through consultation, support and monitoring of the policies and procedures during implementation.
- Perform and/or facilitate accident investigations to identify root cause and provide recommendations for the prevention of similar incidents. Facilitate work refusal investigations; writes reports on incidents resulting in critical injuries, occupational illnesses and workplace violence for internal communication, legislative compliance and submission to authorities (Ministry of Labour).
- Establish specifications for the purchase of safety related clothing, equipment, and materials for Service Areas. Develop and maintain clauses for Corporate tendering and purchasing for construction and maintenance contracts. Perform audits/inspections of contractors to protect the health and safety of staff and to establish due diligence for the Corporation.
- Monitor the activities of joint health and safety committees, provide guidance and support; serve as a resource to Joint Health and Safety Committees.

**Specialized Training & Licenses** Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary**:

- Demonstrated superior verbal, written and presentation skills and highly developed interpersonal skills.
- Sound knowledge of adult learning principles with proven ability to develop/deliver safety training.
- Sound knowledge of the relevant re