Health and Safety Coordinator

We need Health and Safety Coordinators because safety is their top priority. They build, implement and oversee health and safety programs, and they must excel at communication and managing conflict.

What is it Like to Work as a Health and Safety Coordinator in Mining?

(Note: these vary according to employer and region.)

Health and Safety Coordinators usually have an office on the mine site but will spend most of their time in the mine and/or mill, both indoors and outdoors.  They climb ladders and steep ramps on the surface and underground. They are often required to enter areas with physical hazards, such as noise, dust, heat and cold.

Why are People Attracted to this Career?

Health and Safety Coordinators 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.

Job Description

  • 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

  • Research, plan, organize and conduct training programs. 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

  • 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, 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

Starting salary

$57,500.00

Top Salary

$122,000.00

Demand in Mining

1 2 3 4 5

Skill Transferability Among Other Industries

1 2 3 4 5

Success Profile

Common traits that successful Health and Safety Coordinators share are:

  • Develops and follows clear policies and processes

  • Manages 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, conflict management, supervisory skills (verbal and written)

  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of workers’ compensation legislation and government regulations

  • Limited supervision needed

  • Works well with others

Job Entry Requirements

Note 1:  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.

Note 2: Many employers encourage or require certification as a Health and Safety Coordinator even though there is no legislation in place to regulate this occupation and certification is voluntary. Voluntary certification for safety coordinators typically requires completion of an educational program and/or a specified amount of work experience, combined with the successful completion of an exam.

Fixed Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent and a degree or equivalent work experience in health and safety (often a minimum of three to four years of recent related safety experience in the mining industry)

  • Working knowledge and experience with health & safety legislation, rules, regulations and reporting processes and procedures

  • Valid driver’s licence with few or no current infractions and first aid attendant certificate

  • Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, email software and language of operation

  • Ability to work with complex testing equipment

  • Must pass a medical and drug test

  • Willing to work in a diverse environment

Assets

  • Professional designation

  • Willing to relocate

  • Other languages