Occupational Hygiene Advisor - Jobs in Kelowna

Job Description

Position SummaryInterior Health has a Permanent Full-time Occupational Hygiene Advisor opportunity available. Location: This position is flexible within the Interior Health Region! How will you create an impact: The Occupational Hygiene Advisor, participates as a key member of the Workplace Health and Safety (WH amp;S) team and provides advice, guidance, and resources in the strategic planning, development, implementation, sustainability, evaluation, and continuous improvement of an integrated, system-based approach for all Occupational Health and Safety (OH amp;S) programs and practices in Interior Health (IH). The Advisor:• Acts as a resource and provides consultation, research, and educational support on occupational hygiene for the WH amp;S team, Managers, and staff; • Coordinates the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of Health Authority-wide occupational hygiene programs; and • Facilitates organizational compliance with legislated OH amp;S requirements to protect and improve the quality of work life and healthcare in IH. A significant priority of the position is to work with key partners to build and sustain a systemic framework that links all aspects of patient, staff, and public safety into a comprehensive cultural vision aligned with the strategic directions of the Health Authority. What will you work on:• Develops, implements, and evaluates standards of practice, procedures, and protocols for chemical, biological, and physical stresses arising in or from the workplace which may cause illness or significant discomfort for employees.• Using a systems approach to building a culture of health and safety and with a focus on occupational hygiene, provides guidance to the organization for meeting and exceeding regulatory compliance.• Gathers information on best practice as it pertains to occupational hygiene programs and services and applies that information through an evidenced-based approach.• Using project and change management principles, consults and advises the WH amp;S team and department Managers, supervisors, and staff on the interpretation and application of Regulations and standards of practice, appropriate intervention and/or prevention measures, and methods to report and record occupational hygiene issues.• Conducts initial and ongoing exposure monitoring to quantify exposures. Advises on effective control measures to limit worker exposure through the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and personal protective methods). Prepares relevant reports and recommendations.• Develops, implements, and evaluates instructional programs and training materials to assist Managers, supervisors, and staff.• Develops positive working relationships and partnerships with key internal (e.g., Joint Occupational Healthamp; Safety Committees) and external (e.g., WorkSafeBC and provincial unions) partners to garner collaboration, involvement, and support towards the development of an overall systemic approach for assessing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous exposures for those who work within IH and those who access our services.• With a focus on occupational hygiene issues, develops and establishes structures, processes, resources, and policies that ensure sustainable integration of health and safety principles into all core business functions including evaluation, sustainability, and continuous improvement processes.• Organizes working groups representing key partners to address prevention strategies for assessing, evaluating, and controlling hazardous exposures.• Participates and represents the perspective of IH in provincial and/or organizational initiatives as assigned (e.g. provincial projects, research initiatives, and provincial and internal working groups or committees). Interior Health strives to create an environment where you enjoy the work you do, the place where you work, and the people around you. Together, we create great workplaces. Apply today! Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). Qualfications Education, Training and Experience • A Master of Science degree in Occupational Hygiene Registration or eligibility for registration as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or a Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH).• Five years of recent, related experience working as an occupational hygiene advisor (or similar), healthcare experience is an asset, including project management, change management, and quality improvement experience.• Experience with large-scale organizational change efforts.• Registered member of appropriate professional organization (e.g.,AIHA, AIHABC-Yukon), is an asset.• A valid BC Driver’s licence.• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Skills and Abilities • Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation of British Columbia and Workers Compensation Act.• Ability to apply HSMS concepts/systems approach.• Knowledge of change management, analytical, and root cause principles and methodologies.• Familiarity with project management approaches, tools, and phases of the project lifecycle.• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.• Ability to be a team player and work effectively at all levels of the organization.• Excellent active listening skills.• Problem-solving and root cause identification skills.• Ability to influence others and move toward a common vision or goal.