Senior Health & Safety SpecialistLocation: Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario
Company: Polytainers Inc.
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Sr. Director, Human Resources
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent | Onsite
POSITION SUMMARY:The Senior Health & Safety Specialist will be responsible for leading the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of workplace health and safety programs.
Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Human Resources, and senior leadership, this individual will ensure regulatory compliance, lead incident investigations, identify and mitigate workplace hazards, and drive sustainable improvements in safety performance.
The successful candidate will be a confident safety professional who can work independently, challenge unsafe practices, influence leadership decisions, and take ownership of safety initiatives from identification through resolution.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITES:Health & Safety Leadership and Compliance- Lead, implement, and continuously improve health and safety programs, policies, and procedures across the manufacturing facility.
- Ensure compliance with Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments), and other applicable legislation.
- Serve as the subject matter expert and primary point of contact for workplace health and safety matters.
- Partner with Operations and Maintenance leadership to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, particularly those involving machinery, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
- Lead workplace inspections, risk assessments, and safety audits to proactively identify and address potential hazards.
- Provide technical guidance on machine guarding, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews (PSRs).
- Liaise with regulatory authorities, including the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, during inspections and investigations.
- Influence operational decisions to ensure employee safety remains a priority.
Incident Investigation and WSIB Management- Lead investigations into workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses, including detailed root cause analysis.
- Develop corrective and preventive action plans and ensure timely implementation and closure.
- Oversee WSIB claims management, including reporting, documentation, and return-to-work coordination.
- Partner with Human Resources and Operations to facilitate safe and effective modified work and return-to-work programs.
- Analyze incident trends and recommend initiatives to reduce workplace injuries and lost-time incidents.
Safety Culture and Employee Engagement- Drive a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, employee engagement, and collaboration with plant management.
- Coach supervisors and managers on their health and safety responsibilities and accountability.
- Lead safety awareness initiatives, toolbox talks, and workplace safety communications.
- Identify training needs and develop or deliver programs related to LOTO, forklift safety, PPE, hazard identification, and other manufacturing safety requirements.
- Oversee health and safety orientation for new employees and contractors.
- Address unsafe behaviours and recurring non-compliance through coaching, corrective actions, and appropriate escalation.
Continuous Improvement and Reporting- Facilitate Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) meetings and ensure follow-up on outstanding actions.
- Establish, monitor, and report key safety performance indicators, including incident rates, near misses, lost-time injuries, and corrective action completion.
- Prepare regular safety reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
- Identify opportunities to improve safety systems, equipment, and workplace practices.
- Maintain accurate safety records, training documentation, inspection reports, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Support internal audits and compliance with SQF, HACCP, cGMP, and applicable food safety requirements.
- Coordinate hazardous waste management and disposal activities in accordance with applicable requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health, Safety Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 4-7 years of progressive Health & Safety experience, with significant experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong knowledge of Ontario OHSA, Regulation 851, and applicable workplace safety regulations.
- Demonstrated experience independently leading health and safety programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong technical knowledge of machine guarding, LOTO, PSRs, hazard assessments, and industrial safety practices.
- Proven experience leading complex incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Experience managing WSIB claims and return-to-work programs.
- Experience working directly with regulatory authorities and supporting workplace inspections.
- Experience influencing production leaders and driving accountability for safety performance.
- CRSP designation or working toward CRSP is strongly preferred. Candidates with extensive, relevant manufacturing safety experience will also be considered.
- Standard First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge decisions and address unsafe practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage employees at all levels.
- Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions in situations involving competing operational priorities.
- Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives through to completion.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Practical, hands-on approach with a strong commitment to employee safety.
This job posting reflects existing vacancy. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process, if selected.
Polytainers does not directly use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants. However, Polytainers does use Indeed.com to publicly advertise this posting and Indeed.com does use artificial intelligence as part of the screening process. More information about how Indeed.com uses artificial intelligence in their process can be found here: How Indeed Uses AI: Employer Tools and Responsible Use
This position is open to applicants legally authorized to work in Canada.
