Health & Safety Specialist
Status: Full time, permanent
Reporting to: Plant Manager
Salary: $70,000 to $85,000
About the Role
The newly created position of Health & Safety Specialist provides expertise in elevating our safety culture and supporting the goal of a zero-injury workplace. The H&S Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and developing and maintaining organizational policies. Key accountabilities include developing training, programs, policies, and resources and collaborating with various departments to implement effective programs to mitigate risks and enhance workplace culture. The goal is to create and maintain a culture where safety is priority one and is an integrated value visible in the way we work.
What You’ll Do:
- Collaborate with leaders, individuals and teams to instill a “safety first” mindset across all aspects of the business
- Assess work processes and procedures to promote safe practices in alignment with safety practices
- Participate in the creation and enforcement of safety policies, procedures, and operational standards in alignment with identified hazards and risks
- Create a proactive hazard identification system to reduce risk within the organization
- Through the company’s Joint Health & Safety Committees, ensure that regular equipment and facility inspections are taking place to support safe, productive operations
- Conduct safety audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations
- Develop, implement, and organize comprehensive safety onboarding and training programs for employees at all levels
- Facilitate safety campaigns, meetings and workshops to raise awareness and engage staff in safety practices.
- Partner with leaders to investigate incidents, document findings, and recommend corrective actions
- Manage, or work closely with Operations and HR, to manage any work-related disability claims (WSIB)
- Assist in the identification, supply, maintenance, and use of safety equipment and measures to improve workplace safety
- Coach and support leaders in the execution of their safety responsibilities
- Prepare and present regular reports on safety data metrics, programming, and compliance
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
- Certified Health and Safety Consultant - CHSC (working toward Canadian Registered Safety Professional CRSP)
- 3-5 years of proven experience in a safety role
- Joint Health and Safety Committee Certified (mandatory)
- Strong working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act (Ontario)
- Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, meat processing preferred
- Up-to-date knowledge of safety regulations and industry best practices
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage others effectively
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively implement solutions
- Analytical skills to conduct risk assessments, identify hazards, and develop corrective actions
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and foster a culture of safety.
- Experience in investigating workplace incidents and contributing to the development of safety policies
- Ability to make safety “real” in the production floor
Working Environment
- Comfortable working in a variety of settings, including office, production floor, and barn
This is a new position.
Northern Farms does not use AI in any stage of the recruitment and selection process.
Pay: $70,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Arthur, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person
