Safety Specialist, Occupational Safety (supporting Facilities Management), Permanent Full-Time (1.0)

CHEO • Ottawa, ON

8d • CA$49 - CA$58 • Onsite

About The Position

CHEO is a global leader in pediatric health, employing over 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists, researchers, and volunteers dedicated to helping children and youth achieve their best lives. CHEO has transformed into an integrated child and youth health system, excelling in clinical care, research, and education. It is recognized as one of Canada's best healthcare employers and a top employer in the National Capital Region. The Safety Specialist, reporting to the Manager, Occupational Safety, is responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by identifying hazards, investigating accidents, researching best practices, and developing safety protocols. This role involves creating and implementing safety programs, providing training, ensuring compliance with regulations, conducting audits, and fostering a safety-conscious culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Occupational Health and Safety, Health Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Engineering (Essential)
• At least one (1) certification or professional designation in Occupational Health & Safety (e.g., Canadian Registered Safety Professional [CRSP], Certified Health and Safety Consultant [CHSC], Registered Occupational Hygienist [ROH]) (Essential)
• Minimum of four (4) years of field experience in Occupational Health & Safety, preferably in a hospital setting (Essential)
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety laws and regulations and their application, WSIB Act, Environmental Protection Act, Collective Agreements (Essential)
• Strong knowledge of safety management systems, risk assessment methods, and incident investigation techniques. (Essential)
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage and influence individuals at all organizational levels. (Essential)
• Analytical problem solving with sound judgment and tact; able to present complex data and recommendations clearly. (Essential)
• Organizational excellence: results oriented, able to manage competing priorities and tight timelines; attention to detail. (Essential)
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; capable of building dashboards, reports, and training materials. (Essential)
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety laws and regulations and their application, WSIB Act, Environmental Protection Act, Collective Agreements. (Essential)
• Criminal Record Check (Level 1) (Essential)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety (Preferred)
• Industrial hygiene and construction experience (Preferred)
• Knowledge of adult education methodologies and instructional design for safety training.
• Ability to interpret scientific/technical data and apply specialized equipment (e.g., monitoring or sampling devices) where required. (Preferred)
• Experience with change management and basic project management competencies to plan, implement, and evaluate safety initiatives. (Preferred)
• Bilingualism (French/English) (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Develops, updates, implements, and maintains corporate OHS programs, policies, procedures, and safe work practices in accordance with applicable regulations, industry best practice, and organizational standards.
• Interprets legislative changes and advises on strategic organizational adoption ensuring effective change management.
• Facilitates Hazard Risk Assessments and advises and guides teams in the development of Safe Work Procedures.
• Develops and promotes the use of practical resources and tools that strengthen internal responsibility and support workplace parties in meeting legal requirements and best practices.
• Creates and implements safety plans (e.g., escort, safe space, etc.) to mitigate risks such as workplace violence, harassment, or domestic violence-related concerns.
• Conducts comprehensive workplace evaluations to identify potential dangers, conduct risk assessments, and recommend corrective actions.
• Analyzes accident statistics and leading indicators to identify trends and systemic issues.
• Leads or participates in cross-functional working groups to identify trends to develop, recommend, and implement action plans that reduce the severity and frequency of workplace incidents and injuries.
• Responds to and investigates workplace accidents, injuries, and "near-miss" incidents, apply root cause methodology, document findings, and recommend preventative measures.
• Provides timely guidance and supports to leaders regarding legislative requirements and due diligence responsibilities.
• Communicates investigation outcomes and follow-up actions with sensitivity and clarity.
• Ensures compliance with provincial and federal health and safety legislation through inspections, audits, and corrective action follow-up.
• Acts as the primary liaison with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) during field visits by coordinating information requests, providing consultations, supporting investigations, developing and implementing action plans, and ensuring follow‑up, compliance verification, and submission of required documentation related to orders and recommendations.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate safety education (e.g., hazard specific training, safe work practices, corporate orientation, contractor safety) using adult learning principles.
• Lead awareness campaigns that promote a positive safety culture and reinforce internal responsibility.
• Providing technical health and safety guidance to leaders, committees and stakeholders upon request, translating regulatory and scientific information into practical guidance.
• Participant and support on Safety committees (Joint Occupational Health and Safety committee; Safety First committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee & Workplace Violence and Prevention Committee).
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, training, and compliance activities to support accountability, audits, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare clear reports and presentations that communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Perform work in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all CHEO corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Benefits

• competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• unique culture that fosters dedication, communication, respect and teamwork
• place where your opinions will be respected, contributions valued and your initiatives rewarded
• family-friendly environment that supports you and your own family, as well as the children, youth and families we serve
• chance to grow — personally and professionally — through our comprehensive orientation program and on-the-job learning
• support for continued education and learning
• potential for a relocation reimbursement benefit
• truly unique work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level