Health and Safety Professional

• Explain, interpret and apply the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations and other federal and provincial legislation related to health and safety
• Conduct risk and exposure assessment and recommend controls to eliminate or mitigate health and safety hazards in a variety of mining operations including equipment operation, personal protective equipment, pre-shift inspections, underground transportation, ventilation systems, living conditions and the use of natural resource roads
• Assess workplaces to ensure that equipment, materials and production processes do not present a safety or health hazard to employees or to the general public
• Conduct job hazard analysis, advise mine or mill managers and supervisors when an equipment or process is not in compliance and make recommendations for corrections
• Investigate health and safety related complaints, hazardous chemical spills, harmful exposures and occupational disease and workplace accidents
• Develop and maintain occupational health and safety strategies, audit management systems and policies, procedures and manuals
• Coordinate emergency response procedures, mine rescues, firefighting and first aid crews
• Write accident/incident reports, notices of violations to mine or mill managers and supervisors and complete compliance and conformance checklist
• Communicate and work with health and safety committees, workers, unions, mine management, government representatives and the public to promote safe work practices and working conditions through the Internal Responsibility System
• Select, calibrate and use a wide variety of technical equipment, instruments and computer applications to test work environment and retrieve information

Health and Safety Professionals are paid on an annual basis. Depending on factors such as the location of the mine and the type of mineral or metal produced, the average annual salary for Health and Safety Professionals with Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation is $80,000 (Based on job research, 2014). In addition, Health and Safety Professionals 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.

People who are attracted to working as a Health and Safety Professional are committed to the health and safety of mine workers and protection of the public. They enjoy working in a variety of workplaces and inspecting different operations and processes. As passionate advocates of safety and compliance, they like sharing their expertise with employees in all areas of a mine, including operators and senior mine or mill management. Assertive and self-confident, they thrive in a dynamic work environment. They are able to remain objective and tactful when conflict occurs. They recognize and respect confidentiality and are able to compile information and communicate findings and recommendations in an impartial manner.

Each year, MiHR researches the needs of the mining industry to hire Health and Safety Professionals. 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 Professional, you will have opportunities to visit a wide variety of workplaces within underground and open-pit sites, including the processing plant, mobile maintenance shop, offices and laboratories. While some inspections are conducted in an office environment, you will often be required to work in rough terrain, as well as obstructed or confined spaces. You must be willing to climb ladders and work at heights. While on-site, you may be exposed to seasonal environmental conditions, extreme heat and dust, smells, noise and mechanical vibrations. You may encounter interpersonal conflict when you handle violations on site and enforce company and government safety policies and regulations.

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 Professionals share are:

• Ability to interpret federal and provincial regulations
• Ability to make and implement difficult decisions, and communicate the reasons for them
• Analytical
• Assertive, confident and willing to act as an advocate for a safe workplace
• Detail-oriented
• Have a deep level of respect for, and understanding of, safety and environmental procedures, regulations and legislation
• Organized
• Precise and accurate
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Values safety, health and a positive working environment
• Willing to engage in continuous learning and skills development
• Works well with minimal 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

• Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety with 8-10 years of industry experience in health and safety, preferably in a mining, natural resource or related environment
• Working knowledge of, and experience with, mining equipment and operations (or similar industry like Oil and Gas or Petrochemical Construction)
• Working knowledge of, and experience with, federal, provincial and local workplace health & safety and environmental legislations, acts, rules, regulations and reporting processes and procedures as they apply to mining
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, email, presentation and database software
• 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

May be Required

• Certification with the Association for Canadian Registered Safety Professionals
• Diploma in the Occupational Health and Safety or relevant work experience and in-house training
• General or enhanced screening check, which includes a criminal record check and, if applicable, fingerprint verification

Assets

• Canadian Registered Safety Professional Designation
• Willingness to relocate
• Other languages