Health and Safety Officer

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

A WLUSA employee, reporting to the Manager, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the Health and Safety Officer is responsible for supporting the development, implementation and continuous improvement of occupational health and safety programs across Wilfrid Laurier University. The role promotes a proactive safety culture through the development of safe work procedures, regulatory compliance, and ongoing education and engagement with university stakeholders. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations, ensuring that Facilities and Asset Management (FAM), Food Services, and the broader university community meet legislative and institutional requirements. This includes conducting risk assessments, workplace inspections, incident investigations, and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence and reduce workplace hazards.

The role will work collaboratively with CUPE Local 926, FAM leadership, Aramark (food services), university contractors and the university community to address safety concerns, implement programs and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures. This position will also contribute to the development and delivery of training programs, support Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) functions and assist in monitoring safety performance through reporting and program evaluation with the Safety Management System (SMS). The Health and Safety Officer will also support broader SHERM initiatives and contribute to fostering a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement in workplace health and safety. This position has a university-wide mandate.

Accountabilities

• Provide guidance on safe work procedures and risk mitigation measures to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and University policies and procedures.
• Support the development, implementation, communication, auditing, and continuous improvement of health and safety programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines in collaboration with SHERM and assigned partners.
• Conduct and document incident investigations including critical injuries and provide feedback/education to supervisors on their investigative techniques and corrective actions.
• Coordinate and administer the Contract Labour Program, ensuring compliance of approved contractors and vendors.
• Perform respirator fit testing and administer the respiratory protection program.
• Lead the ergonomic program, including in-person and virtual assessments and recommendations.
• Provide operational support to SHERM including backfilling positions and assisting with departmental projects.
• Coordinate, deliver and evaluate health and safety training and awareness programs to promote safe work practices and reduce incidents.
• Coordinate activities with internal and external partners to ensure consistent application of health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives, projects and emerging priorities to support operational effectiveness.
• Support Fire and Life Safety programming and activities, as required.
• Support psychological safety initiatives.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Qualifications

• College diploma or certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field, combined with three to five years of progressively responsible occupational health and safety experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Professional health and safety designation (e.g., CRSP, CRST, NCSO) or actively working toward certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), applicable regulations and health and safety best practices, including experience developing and implementing safe work procedures and programs.
• Experience conducting workplace inspections, audits, hazard assessments and incident investigations, and recommending corrective actions to mitigate risk.
• Strong organizational, communication and facilitation skills, with experience delivering training and communicating technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policies and procedures; manage multiple priorities; and establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, union representatives, contractors and members of the University community.

Hours of work

The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to training. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week. This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement, as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy). All arrangements must be approved by the direct manager. In-person attendance for events, as required to meet operational needs, is expected. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation Level: E Rate of Pay: $42.83 - $45.28 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date to $48.95 per hour.