Provincial Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator in Dartmouth

Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medavie Health Services (MHS) that manages and operates ground ambulance, air medical transport and the medical communications operations in Nova Scotia through a performance-based contract with the provincial government's Emergency Health Services (EHS) Operations division and the Department of Health and Wellness. EMC operates TeleHealth/811 medical communications for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island for the Department of Health. We access all communities in Nova Scotia in a timely and efficient manner with our fleet of more than 180 ambulances and support vehicles operating out of 60+ stations. We respond to 165,000+ calls annually across the province, which are actively managed through the EHS Operations Medical Communications Centre, the hub of all emergency (911) and non-emergency (hospital transfers) medical calls.

The EHS Operations LifeFlight program provides even greater accessibility by responding to patients on scene or through inter-facility transports by our critical care team via helicopter, fixed wing, or ground ambulance. In addition, paramedics in Nova Scotia participate in various programs both urban and rural such as community-based paramedic programs, collaborative emergency centres, and emergency preparedness and special operations.

Reporting to the Provincial Manager of Occupational Health and Safety, this role implements and manages workplace safety programs by developing policies, conducting risk assessments, investigating incidents and providing support to ensure compliance with regulations. The Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator is knowledgeable of the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations and serves as a subject matter expert for employees and leaders on workplace safety. This role plays a key part in reducing workplace incidents by promoting a physically, psychologically and environmentally healthy and safe work environment that is inclusive and responsive to workplace safety needs and risks.

As an employee of EMC, we are accountable to our patients and coworkers by participating in and supporting all safety related initiatives, as well as acting in a manner that fosters a culture that focuses on patient safety and a safe workplace.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regulatory Compliance: Stay current with legislation, standards and best practices ensuring timely updates to internal programs and practices. Support and guide employees and leaders of their responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Risk Assessments and Hazard Identification: Support employees and leaders with the inspection and audit processes. Maintain inspection and audit documents and records.
• Incident Prevention and Investigation: Implement and monitor proactive measures to prevent incidents and injuries. Ensure employees and leaders are knowledgeable of the investigation process.
• Policy and Program Development and Implementation: Develop, implement and monitor occupational health and safety program activities, policies and safe work practices that are practical, inclusive and responsive to the physical, psychological and environmental workplace safety needs and risks.
• Safe Work Environment: Promote a psychologically, physically and environmentally healthy and safe work environment through clear communication and engagement in all discussions, initiatives and actions.
• Communication: Provide information to occupational health and safety committee members of their responsibilities. Deliver reports and presentations to employees.
• Innovation: Implement and monitor day-to-day workplace safety activities. This job has autonomy to change safe work practices and stop unsafe practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Office-based, spending various periods of sitting, standing, walking. Required to maintain one position for possible long periods of time, such as sitting at meetings, or at a desk setting. Reading data or inputting data, report writing, computer, and talking on the mobile device. Occasional exposure to low to moderate noise levels. May be exposed to details (audio, photos and written details) of emergency and traumatic calls. Travel throughout Nova Scotia required. Flexible work environment (in and out of office).

EDUCATION

Undergraduate degree in health or other discipline related to this position. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 3 years within occupational health and safety. Experience in workplace health and safety related field. Experience in a health care or emergency services organization. Experience in both a unionized and non-unionized environment.

CERTIFICATIONS

Safety certification such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or equivalent. Possess a minimum of Class 5 Nova Scotia’s driver’s license in good standing. Class 4 or higher Nova Scotia driver’s license in good standing.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Understanding of Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and other related legislation. Excellent interpersonal, presentation and written communication. Strong analytical, problem solving, project management, and organizational abilities. Strong organizational and time management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Suite of programs. Experience with psychological, physical and environmental health and safety programs and safe work practices. Able to work both independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated collaborative abilities.

LANGUAGE

English (Fluency, Written and Verbal).

IMPORTANT NOTE

The organization reserves the right to change, amend or disuse this job description at any time. This document is intended to provide an overview of the required responsibilities and qualifications.