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Occupational Health & Safety Manager, Office of Campus Safety
Required Position
Full-Time Appointment
Responsibilities
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Manager at Laurentian University reports directly to the Office of Campus Safety, aligning health and safety initiatives with the University’s broader risk management strategy. The OHS Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The OHS manager will be responsible for evaluating and monitoring safety risks, developing and implementing strategies to control risks in the workplace, developing “best in class” safety standards, supporting Environmental & Sustainability initiatives, and ensuring the University’s compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Health and Safety Duties:
- Develop, implement and update the university’s health and safety policies to ensure compliance with provincial regulations and best practices;
- Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards in various work environments, including labs, offices and workshops;
- Investigate workplace accidents, near misses, and incidents, preparing reports with recommendations for corrective actions;
- Perform ergonomic evaluations to ensure workstations and environments minimize musculoskeletal injuries;
- Lead the Lab Safety Committee to ensure safe practices in research and academic laboratories;
- Administer the chemical management program, ensuring compliance with WHMIS, proper labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials;
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of university facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards;
- Ensure that the University complies with provincial and federal health and safety legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
- Assist in the development and implementation of emergency response plans, including fire safety, evacuation procedures, and first aid;
- Prepare and present board reports and safety metrics to the senior executive team, outlining safety performance and key risk areas;
- Serve as an advisor to the Joint Health and Safety Committee, providing guidance on safety initiatives and incident prevention;
- Regularly review and improve safety programs to keep up with new regulations, emerging trends, and technological advancements; and
- Maintain accurate records of safety audits, training sessions, incidents, and risk assessments to ensure compliance and support reporting requirements.
Wellness Duties:
- Collaborate with HR to develop and implement wellness initiatives aimed at improving the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of employees;
- Promote mental health resources and programs, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), to help faculty and staff manage stress and work-life balance;
- Collaborate and support in the organization of wellness events and campaigns to raise awareness about healthy living, mental health, and stress management;
- Collaborate and assist with health screenings and educational workshops on nutrition, fitness, and mental wellbeing;
- Assist in developing return-to-work programs for employees recovering from injury or illness, ensuring a smooth transition back into the workplace;
- Work closely with healthcare professionals to promote occupational health initiatives, ensuring health and safety risks are minimized; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (four (4) years) in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene or in a related field such as Risk Management, Public Health, or Engineering;
- Certification in health and safety, such as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, is highly desirable;
- Advanced Education such as a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, would be considered an asset, particularly in Occupational Health, Safety Management, Environmental Science, or Risk Management.;
- Specialized Training in areas such as WHMIS, biosafety, chemical safety, and emergency management is beneficial;
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in occupational health and safety management, preferably in a university, research, or complex organizational setting;
- Experience in leading safety programs related to chemical, biological, and ergonomic safety, including administering programs like WHMIS and biosafety protocols;
- Proven experience in conducting risk assessments, audits, and inspections across a variety of environments, such as laboratories, offices, and industrial settings;
- Demonstrated experience managing safety committees, such as Lab Safety Committees and Joint Health and Safety Committees, with a strong ability to provide guidance and foster collaboration. Ability to work cross-functionally with various departments, committees, and external stakeholders to address health and safety concerns and implement corrective actions;
- Experience preparing and presenting safety reports to senior management or board-level committees, showcasing the ability to translate complex safety data into actionable insights;
- Incident investigation and reporting experience, including root cause analysis and developing corrective actions for workplace incidents;
- Experience in developing and delivering safety training programs, ensuring all levels of the organization are informed about health and safety practices;
- Project Management experience related to implementing and improving health and safety systems and programs. Strong ability to manage records, audits, training programs, and reporting, ensuring that all documentation and safety initiatives are properly tracked and implemented;
- Comfort with managing multiple priorities in a dynamic university setting, responding quickly to incidents, and adjusting programs based on regulatory changes or emerging risks;
- Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of students, faculty and staff with an ability to promote wellness and mental health initiatives alongside safety programs; and
- Ability to work fluently (verbal and written) in both official languages, French and English, is required.
The official University hours of operation shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during, and including, the months from September to April, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday during and including May to August., amounting to thirty-three and three-quarter (33.75) hours per week.
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Applications will only be accepted through our online form.