Construction Health and Safety Specialist

SUMMARY

Seeking an experienced and results-driven Construction Health & Safety Specialist to lead and support health, safety, and compliance initiatives across corporate and commercial construction projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that ensure compliance with provincial legislation, industry standards, client requirements, and company policies.

This role requires a strong understanding of commercial/corporate construction operations, contractor management, hazardous materials regulations, incident management, and regulatory reporting requirements. The Construction Health & Safety Specialist will partner closely with Senior HSE Manager of Project Delivery Services/Construction Services, project teams, subcontractors, and (when required) regulatory agencies to foster a proactive safety culture and ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with applicable legislation.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Health & Safety Leadership

• Lead the delivery, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the BGIS Health, Safety & Environmental Management System within Construction Services Division and Project Delivery Services Division.
• Provide strategic safety support to corporate and commercial construction projects throughout all phases of execution.
• Promote a positive safety culture through leadership, coaching, mentoring, and engagement with project teams and contractors.
• Update, deliver and implement safety policies, procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Provincial Project Support
  • Ontario - West – Based in Greater Toronto Area
  • Quebec - East – Based in Grand Montreal Area (Mandatory Bilingual – French and English)
• Travel may be required dependent on project demand or project status.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal occupational health and safety requirements.
• Interpret and communicate legislative requirements to project teams and management.
• Monitor legislative changes and recommend program enhancements to maintain compliance.
• Liaise with inspectors and enforcement agencies as required.

Hazardous Materials Management

• Oversee programs related to hazardous substances, including: 
  • Asbestos
  • Lead
  • Silica
  • Mold
  • Designated substances
  • Other regulated hazardous materials
• Ensure appropriate assessment, abatement, reporting, and documentation requirements are met.
• Coordinate industrial hygiene assessments and environmental testing when required.
• Support emergency response planning involving hazardous materials incidents.

Project Support

• Participate in project planning, risk assessments, hazard analyses, and pre-construction reviews.
• Review contractor safety programs and monitor compliance.
• Support the completion of site inspections, audits, and observations. 
  • (These may be in person observations or virtual. Dependent on project demands or project status)
• Develop corrective action plans and verify completion of identified deficiencies.
• Provide safety guidance to project managers, site supervisors, and contractors.

Incident Management

• Lead investigations of incidents, injuries, property damage events, and near misses.
• Identify root causes and develop corrective and preventive actions.
• Track safety performance metrics and prepare trend analyses.
• Ensure reporting requirements are completed accurately and within legislated timelines.

Training & Communication

• Develop and deliver health and safety training programs.
• Facilitate orientations, toolbox talks, safety meetings, and leadership training (Dependent on project demands or project status)
• Provide ongoing education regarding legislative changes and emerging industry risks.
• Support Joint Health and Safety Committees and worker safety representatives.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain all required safety records and regulatory documentation.
• Prepare internal and external safety performance reports.
• Manage reporting requirements related to hazardous materials, occupational illnesses, incidents, inspections, and regulatory submissions.
• Assist with client safety reporting and regulatory audits.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive Health & Safety experience in the corporate/commercial construction sector.
• Experience supporting large-scale commercial, institutional, industrial, or corporate capital construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience with contractor safety management.
• Experience managing hazardous materials programs, including asbestos and designated substances.
• Experience conducting incident investigations and regulatory reporting.
• Strong knowledge of construction safety principles and risk management practices.
• Experience conducting safety audits and compliance assessments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and safety management software.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and drive a culture of safety across all organizational levels.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Professional Certifications (Preferred)

• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP).
• Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC).
• National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO).
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) considered an asset.
• COR Auditor certification considered an asset.