Safety Advisor – Safety Programs (Vancouver)

Job Description Summary

This position is responsible for the development, promotion and management of the campus-wide health and safety program with the aim to protect the health of UBC members and the community at large. This position provides guidance and leadership in the administration of UBC safety programming and facilitates compliance with all regulatory requirements and conformance with best practices as outlined in ISO45001:2018. The position will work with UBC sites and campuses to functionally align and implement safety management practices and systems.

This is a leave replacement for a fixed-term duration of 12 months.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Manager, Safety Program Management & Systems and works closely with the University Community on health & safety initiatives. This position leads and develops UBC safety programs through the implementation, promotion and management of a comprehensive occupational health and safety management system.

The position provides guidance and leadership for the development and implementation of systematic approaches to portfolio-wide occupational health and safety (OHS) programs including but not limited to performance measurement activities, training programs, policies and guidelines related to occupational health and safety, emergency preparedness and response. The incumbent acts as a resource for UBC departments and faculties regarding applicable OHS compliance obligations and works closely with UBC administrative offices as well as faculties, departments and ancillary operations. The incumbent will represent the University with external regulatory agencies including WorkSafeBC and other health & safety regulators.

Work Performed

• Develop, manage and consult on campus-wide safety programming, including but not limited to workplace hazard identification, evaluation and control programs; hazard-specific training programs; Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Central Accident/Incident Reporting System (CAIRS); Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC); confined space safety programs; fall protection programs; ergonomic safety; driver training; fire safety; and violence in the workplace.
• Provide strategic leadership on the development and enhancement of the University OHS safety programs. Work with the Manager, Safety Program Management & Systems to plan, direct and oversee the UBC safety management system, ensuring alignment with UBC policies, procedures, best practices and compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Hire, train, evaluate, develop and directly manage one Occupational Health and Safety Associate (M&P;).
• Build consensus and promote practices and procedures to support research and operational goals and needs while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and legislation, including WorkSafeBC and other regulatory agencies.
• Act as UBC liaison with external safety regulators and related agencies.
• Promote and foster a campus-wide safety culture.
• Provide guidance, support and advice to departmental directors, managers, supervisors and workers regarding best practices and procedures in health and safety matters. Work with UBC leaders to increase health and safety awareness and integration into daily processes.
• Act as a resource for UBC Senior Leadership and provide strategic and operational oversight for UBC Facilities Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees and Local Safety Teams; attend meetings as required and provide direction, opinion, analysis, and research.
• Plan and oversee the UBC safety inspection system, ensuring alignment with UBC policies, procedures and best practices and compliance with all applicable regulations. Conduct hazard assessments and risk analyses as required.
• Develop and facilitate OHS training, in conjunction with UBC SRS and other University departments or external service providers as required.
• Report deficiencies, recommend corrective actions and help formulate action plans with unit managers.
• Develop safe work procedures and assist in the development of unit safety policies; participate in incident/accident investigations when required.
• Participate in incident/accident investigations and evaluate the quality of the investigations, assisting management and safety committee members.
• Conduct risk-based departmental/faculty OHS reviews.
• Monitor and analyze safety trends, incidents and statistics for the portfolio.
• Maintain ongoing knowledge of changes to applicable OHS legislation and emerging issues/trends in OHS management systems concepts, analyze and communicate the impacts to affected groups.
• Ensure campus-wide safety programming meets regulatory requirements and ISO45001:2018 standards.
• Design, participate and consult on program-specific training, ris