Laboratory and Research Health and Safety Specialist, Human Resources

The Human Resources Department provides leadership in human resource practices, policies and programs for the entire campus aligned with the overall goals and vision of the University of Winnipeg. Within Human Resources, The Safety Office acts to promote, educate, and implement safety and health at The University of Winnipeg.

The Safety Office is hiring a full-time continuing Laboratory andResearch Health and Safety Specialist. Reporting to the Manager, Safety and Healththe successful candidate will beresponsible for the coordination, development, implementation, and operational support of occupational Health and Safety programs, procedures, guidelines and training relating to laboratory hygiene and Safety.

Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements and manages programs relevant to general laboratory practice and hygiene, including the ongoing use, selection and care of laboratory safety equipment.
• Provides education and assistance to units within the area of responsibilities particularly in the areas of controlled products, exposure monitoring instrumentation and respirator fit test testing equipment.
• Participates in design and construction projects, providing consultation regarding safety and health requirements within laboratories.
• Provides recommendations to all levels of management to ensure construction projects comply with Federal, Provincial and municipal Health and Safety requirements.
• Supports online safety training for WHMIS, Biological Safety, Radiation Safety and other related courses for laboratories.
• Works closely with supervisors and managers to promote and enhance overall safety practices and ensures the University’s safety program complies with relevant Health and Safety legislation.
• Assesses program effectiveness and recommends improvements.
• Assesses impact of emerging issues on the University and recommends potential responses.
• Research regulatory requirements, best practices, etc.
• Develop and implement safe workplace procedures and conduct risk assessments.
• Develops checklists, templates and guidelines that support safety programs.
• Responds to concerns related to workplace safety raised by employees.
• Provides general support to the Science Lab Safety Subcommittee.
• Development, implementation and management and training where required on the following programs:
  • Airborne Exposure Monitoring:
  • Respirator Fit Testing:
  • Working Alone Program
  • Personal Protective Equipment assessment and monitoring
• Prepares and delivers outcomes-based training programs relative to general laboratory hygiene practice, emergency procedures in laboratories, selection, care and use of personal protective equipment.
• Leads incident investigations in cooperation with supervisors, contractor representatives and University project coordinators.
• Provides technical support to Facilities on safety and health related incidents including emergencies.
• Liaises with regulatory agents and organizations regarding incidents.
• Investigates chemical, asbestos, contractor, and other Health and Safety incidents to identify any hazardous and unsafe conditions to develop measures for assuring employee safety.
• Prepares reports, advises on options for resolution.
• Maintains official documents, records and files required by Federal and Provincial authorities.
• Schedules all oversight inspections in teaching and Research spaces, conducts the inspection with technicians and Principal Investigators and records findings.
• Follows up with stakeholders concerning corrective actions.
• Provides reporting to the Science Lab Safety Committee.
• Develops required training materials.
• Prepares course content at a level consistent with the audience receiving the information.
• Assesses course effectiveness through statistical measurement.
• Documents course delivery and participation
• Provides general support for the Manager, Safety and Health, and acts as backup with the Manager, Safety and Health is unavailable.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in science or Applied Science or other related undergraduate degree.
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or Occupational Health & Safety Certificate/Diploma preferred.
• Other Safety designation related to science or project management an asset.
• Trade certification an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Experience and knowledge of research or teaching laboratories, preferably at a post-secondary level.
• Experience with the application of occupational Health and Safety and related legislation, preferably in a post-secondary environment.
• Demonstrated experience in responding to emergencies, incident investigation and documentation.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing safety “best practices”, particularly related to developing and implementing safety programs.
• Broad knowledge of principles, issues, trends and innovations in the field of health, safety including environmental Health and Safety, an asset.
• Knowledge of the public sector, particularly post-secondary education institutions, preferred.
• Knowledge of the broad scope and application of Health and Safety programs, a requirement.
• Knowledge and experience with respect to design and legislation requirements.
• Proficiency in the use of word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software (MS Word, Excel and Power Point) required.
• Excellent planning, organizational, analytical and administrative skills.
• Effective interpersonal, communications, mentoring, facilitation, presentation and written communication skills; , a requirement.
• Ability to implement programs and initiatives in the field of health, safety including environmental Health and Safety.
• Ability to manage Health and Safety reporting systems and analyze Health and Safety information, a requirement.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with management, union representatives and employees, a requirement.
• Excellent relationship building skills and ability to form strong cross functional team members.
• Ability to self-motivate, set and meet challenging goals and objectives which are timely, realistic and measurable.
• Ability to independently problem solve unsafe practices and conditions with stakeholders.

An equivalent combination of education, experience, skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The salary range for this position will be from $65,592.80 to $90,963.60 annually.

Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted in-person.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and Research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant’s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.