Safety Specialist - Metrolinx, Canada

Role overview

Metrolinx is seeking two Safety Specialists for Operational Safety within their Engineering and Safety Division on a contract basis of up to 12.5 months. This Metrolinx careers opportunity provides an integral function in the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of the safety management system for GO, UP Express, and Rapid Transit Operations, ensuring alignment with the broader safety management system to prevent injuries and reduce operational safety risks.

Day-to-day

• Accountable to monitor the continuous improvement of safety through the analysis of leading and lagging indicators of performance and risk, and the application of rigorous root cause analysis and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with business units and external stakeholders in the implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of safety management plans and actions to protect the operation, public, passengers, employees and contractors against safety hazards and risks.
• Possesses strong analytical and communication skills to improve health and safety knowledge / skills and maintain a strong safety culture amongst the safety team and the business units.
• Deliver safety management system guidance, training, and advice to business units and external stakeholders to build awareness and to demonstrate due diligence with respect to health and safety within Metrolinx.
• Provides subject matter expertise in the development, management and maintenance of the safety management programs, procedures and policies to eliminate hazards, mitigate risk, and align with the Metrolinx Safety Management Systems.
• Participates in the implementation and ongoing monitoring of the SMS in Rail and assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of program elements and risk controls.
• Ensures that the SMS and business unit processes are compliant with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Protection Act, Privacy Act, and applicable regulations.
• Implements improvements to risk management and safety management plans, procedures, systems, and policies related to health and safety.
• Audit health and safety management plans, policies, procedures, and systems to ensure alignment with best practices and continuous improvement.
• Participate in the investigation of safety related incidents, identify root causes, report on trends and potential hazards, and make recommendations on corrective actions.
• Collaborates with business units and external stakeholders to promote a strong safety culture, implement safety objectives, track performance indicators, and develop corrective action plans.
• Provides occupational health and safety advice to stakeholders and fosters the maintenance of a safe and supportive workplace.
• Works collaboratively with the broader safety division regarding hazard identification, contractor monitoring, regulatory requirements, and accident investigation.

Skills and experience

• University degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Bachelor of Science or Business Administration, or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.
• Masters in a related field is beneficial.
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation is an asset.
• Demonstrated years of related health and safety experience, ideally in a regulated transportation industry.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements governing occupational health and safety including WSIA, Human Rights Code of Ontario, and OHSA.
• Recognized SMS training, Customer Service Delivery, and Station Facilities experience are assets.
• Effective oral communication, presentation, consultation, and written communication skills.
• Active listening skills, concentration to analyze and resolve issues, and agility to multitask and deal with urgent requests.
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with data visualizations (Power BI, Tableau), statistical tools (R, Python, SAS, JMP), and safety observation databases.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with effective project management capabilities.
• Knowledge of Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR), front-line transit operations, safety programs, transportation planning, and policy development is an asset.
• Valid Ontario G class driver's licence and a clean Driver's Abstract within the last 3 years.