Health and Safety Coordinator

• Develop and review health and safety rules, policies and procedures in accordance with site, company and government regulations and legislation
• Conduct inspections to ensure that health and safety requirements and governmental legislation is being followed at all times
• Ensure that workers are up-to-date in training (e.g. First Aid, mine rescue, surface fire-fighting, and confined space entry)
• Research, plan, organize and conduct training programs. If certified in a specific area, a Health and Safety Coordinator may deliver the training; if not certified, they hire a trainer to conduct the training program
• Conduct health and safety audits, risk assessments, reviews and inspections
• Maintain, and report on, safety and health records and statistics
• Monitor machine or equipment changes, ensuring that health and safety precautions are being taken into account
• Identify potentially hazardous situations and take proactive measures to correct them
• Work with mine management to design programs and strategies that protect employees from workplace hazards
• Integrate health and safety activities into production efforts
• Develop and promote the adoption of new safety training programs and practices
• Periodically, act as a team leader for task forces and teams (e.g. leading a number of supervisors on an audit)
• Review internal and external health and safety reports to determine areas that need improvement; implement measures to minimize occurrence of incidents
• In the event of emergency (e.g. fire or an explosion), help direct rescue and firefighting operations
• Conduct investigations, including complaints, serious harm incidents and accidents; write reports that document findings
• Manage non-compliance violations
• Conduct sampling air for dust levels and determine the composition of the dust
• Conduct ergonomics assessments in offices and in the field
• Partner with mine managers, workers, health and safety committee members, union representatives and government inspectors to optimize the safety systems in the mine
• Ensure all employees are adequately trained and coached to perform their roles
• Assist mine management in responding to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies and the public regarding health and safety issues

Health and Safety Coordinators are paid on an annual basis. Depending on factors such as the location of the mine and the type of mineral or metal produced, annual salaries range from $75,000 - $125,000 (CostMine, 2014). In addition, Health and Safety Coordinators often receive other benefits.

In general, people are drawn to a career in the mining industry for the rewarding work, as well as the opportunity to apply their skills in the workplace. The compensation is attractive as is the structured work schedule which allows for personal pursuits and professional development.

The people who are attracted to this career have a strong interest in occupational health and safety. Assertive and self-confident, they thrive in a dynamic working environment. They are natural problem solvers who are comfortable handling conflict and can manage violations of health and safety rules efficiently and effectively. With a keen eye for detail, they identify potentially dangerous situations and take decisive action to prevent them.

Each year, MiHR researches the needs of the mining industry to hire Health and Safety Coordinators. Based on 2015’s forecast, we are providing the following assessment of the Job Prospects in mining as well as an evaluation applicability of these skills in other sectors. Together, these measures will help future job seekers to make informed decisions about potential careers, based on the opportunities in the mining industry.

Note: conditions vary according to employer and region.

As a Health and Safety Coordinator, you will probably have an office on the mine site but will spend most of your time in the mine and/or mill, both indoors and outdoors. You must be willing to climb ladders and steep ramps on the surface and underground. You will often be required to enter areas with physical hazards, such as noise, dust, heat and cold.

Safety is the top priority in the mining industry and employers take every precaution to create a safe workplace. All mine employees observe strict health and safety rules and wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, respirator, steel-toed boots, hard hats, ear protection, etc.). This equipment also reduces the risks that come with exposure to various environmental conditions, extreme temperatures and hazards.

Working hours vary considerably from mine to mine. You might have standard weekday working hours or shift work that involves evening and/or weekend work. Overtime is generally not required but you may have opportunities to work overtime in return for extra compensation.

Some mines are located near communities, which would enable you to live at home and commute to work. These mining communities tend to be close-knit, with strong friendships forming among co-workers and their families. Because these communities are often small towns, they provide wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and hiking.

Many mines are situated in remote areas and require most employees to live in a mining camp. In these mines, employees usually work on a “fly-in, fly-out” schedule. When on-site, all of your living expenses would be covered, including meals. Trained chefs and kitchen staff generally prepare meals and some camps provide accommodations for dietary restrictions and preferences.

Some camps are fairly basic, while others are well-equipped with gym, recreation, and internet facilities. Many camps provide a variety of training courses including language, yoga and First Aid. Fishing and hiking may or may not be permitted, depending on local regulations, licence requirements, and environmental considerations. Firearms are not permitted in mining camps.

Common traits that successful Health and Safety Coordinators share are:

• Ability to develop and follow clear policies and processes
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines
• Assertive, confident and willing to act as an advocate for workers
• Calm, resilient, adaptable and embraces challenges
• Firm, fair and objective
• Learns quickly, especially detailed legislative, technical and production information
• Organized and results-oriented
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong conflict management skills
• Strong supervisory skills
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of workers’ compensation legislation and government regulations
• Works well with limited supervision
• Works well with others

Many of these traits can be developed. If you are interested in following this career path, first determine your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals in order to develop the traits you need to succeed.

Many employers want to help job seekers build a successful and fulfilling career. Here are some ways that the mining industry may support you:

• Offer job placements, training and mentoring
• Welcome applicants with experience in other industries and countries
• Have incentives to attract women and Aboriginal peoples to mining education, training and employment
• Offer parental leave, housing incentives, or flexible schedules
• Provide professional development programs to support you and to develop career progression options

Note: this table reflects what is required at the time of hire. The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not take into account on-the-job training given to new employees.

Fixed Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and a degree or equivalent work experience in health and safety (often a minimum of 3 to 4 years of recent related safety experience in the mining industry)
• Working knowledge of and experience with federal, provincial and local workplace health & safety legislation, rules, regulations and reporting processes and procedures as they apply to mining
• Valid driver’s licence (or eligible for a driver’s licence) with few or no current infractions
• Valid first aid attendant certificate
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and email software
• Ability to work with complex testing equipment
• Must be able to pass a medical test
• Must be able to pass a drug test
• Willingness to work in a diverse environment
• Proficiency in language of operation

Assets

• Professional designation
• Willingness to relocate
• Other languages