About the Role
Whitson Construction is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Health & Safety Coordinator to join our team, reporting to the HR Manager. This position is ideal for an safety professional who excels at the administrative foundations of a health and safety program but still loves to get out of the office, connect with the crews, and see the work firsthand.
You will spend roughly 70-80% of your time managing the administrative portion of our health and safety program—managing documentation, compliance, and tracking—and 20-30% of your time in the field conducting safety meetings, inspections, audits and incident investigations.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Excellence (70-80%)
- Develop and maintain core HSE program elements, including the creation and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, forms, and guidelines.
- Monitor, track, and record daily paperwork submittals. Maintain safety metrics, tracking sheets, and statistics for leading/lagging indicators.
- Interpret and apply regulatory, industry and client requirements to program elements.
- Maintain COR certification; prepare for, conduct, and participate in COR audits.
- Process incident reports and conduct investigations, hazard identifications, and near-miss data, ensuring accurate record-keeping and trend analysis.
- Coordinate early and safe return to work planning for injured and ill employees; coordinate and complete forms, schedule meetings and monitor progress.
- Chair the Safety Committee, facilitate meetings, and manage minutes.
- Collaborate with project teams to develop pre-job hazard assessments and site-specific safety/environmental plans.
- Review and pre-qualify subcontractor safety programs, insurance, and WCB clearances.
- Facilitate full employee safety orientations and onboarding tasks, while utilizing the training matrix to track certifications, assess worker competencies, and proactively identify, schedule, and file all required new or renewal training.
- Maintain and update employee training matrices, SDS boards, asset lists, and 3rd party databases (ISNetworld, Avetta).
Field Support & Engagement (20-30%)
- Conduct regular, scheduled field inspections and audits around the Edmonton area to ensure compliance with Alberta OHS regulations and company policy.
- Attend and facilitate field safety meetings, safety committee meetings, and site hazard assessments.
- Serve as a supportive, approachable resource for field supervisors and crews regarding safety protocols.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- 2+ years of experience in an occupational health and safety role, specifically within the commercial, industrial, or civil construction industry.
- Completion of a recognized OHS Certificate or Diploma program.
- NCSO (National Construction Safety Officer) certification
- Strong proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and safety management software. You should thrive on keeping digital systems organized.
- A valid Class 5 driver’s license and clean abstract, along with a genuine willingness to put on PPE and visit active construction sites in all weather conditions.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to pivot seamlessly from writing an official report to talking shop with a field crew.
- Solid working knowledge of the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation, and Code.
Assets & Attributes:
- Working towards or holding an accredited designation (CRST or CRSP).
- Experience with safety software (SiteDocs, Procore, Hilti On!Track).
- Familiarity with H2S, confined spaces, and respiratory equipment.
- Strong critical thinking, tight deadline management, and exceptional communication skills.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Vacation and Stat Holiday Pay
- Opportunities for professional development and mentorship to help grow your safety career.
- Benefits after probation (90 days):
Comprehensive Health and Dental benefit package
RRSP Matching Program
Profit Share Program
Health and Wellness Allowance Program
Boot Allowance Program
Learning and Development Reimbursement
Access to a company communal vehicle for site visits
Position Demands & Schedule Notes
- Able to perform tasks requiring extended periods of sitting, standing, crouching, crawling, or kneeling.
- Ability to meet client site-access requirements (Drug & Alcohol testing, clean-shaven site rules, etc.).
- Must be available outside regular business hours occasionally to respond to emergency situations on weeknights/weekends (with prior notification of active jobsites).
How to Apply
If you are a solution-focused safety professional looking to grow with a stable, safety-first contractor, please submit your application.
Whitson Construction thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
We will only communicate via phone or email—never text or social media.
