Coordinator, Safety
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Assistant Director, Facilities, Safety, Security and Risk Management Supervises: N/A
Status: This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 410)
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Facilities, Safety, Security and Risk Management, the Coordinator, Safety leads Greater Victoria Public Library’s (GVPL) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program. The position ensures compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations, applicable legislation, and GVPL policies while proactively supporting safe, inclusive, and psychologically healthy work environments. The Coordinator, Safety collaborates with leaders, employees, committees, and external agencies to identify risks, implement prevention strategies, support investigations, and fosters a strong organizational culture of safety. This role influences both physical and psychological health and safety across all GVPL locations. All duties are carried out in accordance with GVPL policies and within relevant provincial legislation and regulations (e.g., Workers’ Compensation Act, BC Human Rights Code, WorkSafeBC regulations, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the collective agreement).
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Coordinator, Safety:
• Is an active member of the Facilities, Safety, Security and Risk Management team and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality service.
• Develops productive working relationships with all levels of GVPL staff.
• Reports to and takes direction from the Assistant Director, Facilities, Safety, Security and Risk Management.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Program Management
• Develops, implements, maintains, and reviews GVPL’s Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) program, ensuring alignment with WorkSafeBC regulations, the Workers’ Compensation Act, GVPL policies, and applicable legislation.
• Creates, updates, and tracks safe work procedures, policies, and guidelines to mitigate physical and psychological risks.
• Conducts, coordinates, and documents regular worksite inspections and hazard assessments, identifying risks and recommending corrective actions.
• Supports the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC), including participation in meetings, coordinating agendas and minutes, monitoring follow-up actions, and ensuring member training requirements are met.
• Oversees the Library’s First Aid program, including annual assessments, identification and tracking of first aid attendants, and ensuring branch-level communication on first aid procedures.
• Ensures orientation and training requirements for young and new workers are completed and properly documented.
• Maintains comprehensive OHS documentation and safety records, including inspections, assessments, certifications, investigations and claims information.
2. Incident Response, Investigations and WorkSafeBC Claims
• Monitors and responds to safety concerns and reported incidents across all GVPL locations.
• Leads investigations into safety incidents, near misses, serious injuries, and complaints, including interviewing witnesses, analyzing findings, and preparing written reports.
• Ensures all incidents are documented, reported and escalated in accordance with WorkSafeBC timelines and regulatory requirements.
• Manages the full-cycle WorkSafeBC claims process, including submission of forms, tracking progress, liaising with employees, supervisors and WorkSafeBC, and maintaining accurate records.
• Develops and monitors return-to-work and accommodation plans in collaboration with supervisors and People & Culture.
• Identifies trends in incident and first aid data and recommends proactive strategies to prevent recurrence.
3. Security, Emergency Management and Risk Mitigation
• Monitors GVPL's incident reporting system to identify safety and security trends, responds to security related incidents, and provides recommendations for mitigation.
• Conducts security and safety audits of public and staff areas and prepares reports outlining risks, trends, and recommended actions.
• Coordinates annual emergency workplace evacuation drills for all branches and maintains emergency preparedness processes.
• Acts as a designated emergency contact and Incident Commander during critical incidents, alarms, and system-wide emergencies during or outside of regular business hours, with delegated authority to implement immediate risk-mitigation measures.
• Manages security service contracts and provides functional direction to contracted security personnel. • Liaises with external agencies including police, fire, paramedics, and other emergency partners to support coordinated response and information sharing.
4. Training, Communication and Safety Culture
• Designs, delivers, or coordinates training for employees on topics such as workplace violence prevention, trauma-informed practices, de-escalation, psychological safety, ergonomics, mental health first aid, emergency procedures, and bullying and harassment.
• Provides advice, coaching, and guidance to supervisors and employees on the interpretation and application of occupational health and safety requirements, best practices, and prevention strategies.
• Develops and maintains clear safety communications and resources, including intranet content, first aid postings, and program updates.
• Promotes a strong physical and psychological health and safety culture across GVPL, supporting continuous improvement and organizational learning.
• Ensures employees receive consistent, accurate, and timely safety information and training aligned with legislative and organizational requirements.
Education, Training and Safety Culture Training and Orientation
• Provides or coordinates safety-related training, including:
- Workplace violence prevention
- Trauma-informed practices
- De-escalation techniques
- Psychological safety
- Mental Health First Aid
- Bullying and harassment
- Ergonomics
- Asbestos awareness
- Emergency procedures
- Young and New Worker training
- Ensures safety orientation and training programs remain current and meet regulatory requirements.
Safety Culture and Organizational Support
• Provides guidance, coaching, and support to supervisors and employees on interpreting and applying OHS requirements.
• Promotes a strong physical and psychological health and safety culture across GVPL.
• Develops and maintains safety communications and safety resources on the intranet. Working Conditions
• Frequent travel to all GVPL work locations.
• May work outside standard business hours, including weekends and statutory holidays.
• Extended hours may be required during emergency activations.
• Physical demands include monitoring activities within small (>3,000 sq. ft.) to large (<42,000 sq. ft.) multi-floor facilities for extended periods.
• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must obtain Intermediate First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certifications within six months of appointment.
Tools and Equipment
• Operates computers and standard office equipment.
• Proficient with applicable software programs.
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle.
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in an OHS role.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of WorkSafeBC legislation and requirements.
• Knowledge of BC Human Rights Code, FOIPPA, and best practices in safety and risk management.
• Knowledge of CSA Standard Z1003 – Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
• Training and experience in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, mental wellness, and workplace violence prevention.
• Understanding of WorkSafeBC claims management processes.
• Ability to exercise initiative, discretion, tact, and sound judgment.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to manage contracts and guide contracted security personnel.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, coaching, and de-escalation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Flexible and adaptable with changing demands and priorities
If you are ready to make a positive career change that will provide you with the opportunity to truly make a difference, please:
• Email your resume and cover letter to pccareers@gvpl.ca.
• Quote “2025-121E Coordinator, Safety” in the subject line of your email.
• Complete the Job Application Form by using the link provided below.
Link: 2025-121 & 2025-121E Coordinator, Safety - Job Application
Applications will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, December 5, 2025. Applications received after this date and time will not be considered. Only complete applications will be accepted. This position is open to internal and external applicants, and qualified internal applicants will be given preference. We thank all applicants for their interest, and we will contact only those selected to move forward