The posting
Senior Health & Safety Specialist Location: Etobicoke, Toronto, OntarioCompany: Polytainers Inc.Department: Human ResourcesReports To: Sr. Director, Human ResourcesEmployment Type: Full-Time, Permanent | Onsite At Polytainers, we create packaging that helps protect the food products people enjoy every day. As a leading North American manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging, we combine innovation, operational excellence and strong customer partnerships to deliver quality products and contribute to a more sustainable future. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Across our teams and facilities, we work together with purpose, put our customers first and continuously look for better ways to work. We create an environment where people are encouraged to share their ideas, empowered to take action and are supported in their growth. When you join Polytainers, you become part of a team that values accountability, collaboration and respect. Whatever your role—making our products, supporting our customers or improving how we work—your contribution matters. Together, we partner for success, win through teamwork and create packaging solutions for today and tomorrow.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Health & Safety Specialist will be responsible for leading the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of workplace health and safety programs. Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Human Resources, and senior leadership, this individual will ensure regulatory compliance, lead incident investigations, identify and mitigate workplace hazards, and drive sustainable improvements in safety performance. The successful candidate will be a confident safety professional who can work independently, challenge unsafe practices, influence leadership decisions, and take ownership of safety initiatives from identification through resolution.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITES:
Health & Safety Leadership and Compliance
Lead, implement, and continuously improve health and safety programs, policies, and procedures across the manufacturing facility. Ensure compliance with Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments), and other applicable legislation. Serve as the subject matter expert and primary point of contact for workplace health and safety matters. Partner with Operations and Maintenance leadership to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, particularly those involving machinery, equipment, and manufacturing processes. Lead workplace inspections, risk assessments, and safety audits to proactively identify and address potential hazards. Provide technical guidance on machine guarding, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews (PSRs). Liaise with regulatory authorities, including the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, during inspections and investigations. Influence operational decisions to ensure employee safety remains a priority.
Incident Investigation and WSIB Management
Lead investigations into workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses, including detailed root cause analysis. Develop corrective and preventive action plans and ensure timely implementation and closure. Oversee WSIB claims management, including reporting, documentation, and return-to-work coordination. Partner with Human Resources and Operations to facilitate safe and effective modified work and return-to-work programs. Analyze incident trends and recommend initiatives to reduce workplace injuries and lost-time incidents.
Safety Culture and Employee Engagement
Drive a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, employee engagement, and collaboration with plant management. Coach supervisors and managers on their health and safety responsibilities and accountability. Lead safety awareness initiatives, toolbox talks, and workplace safety communications. Identify training needs and develop or deliver programs related to LOTO, forklift safety, PPE, hazard identification, and other manufacturing safety requirements. Oversee health and safety orientation for new employees and contractors. Address unsafe behaviours and recurring non-compliance through coaching, corrective actions, and appropriate escalation.
Continuous Improvement and Reporting
Facilitate Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) meetings and ensure follow-up on outstanding actions. Establish, monitor, and report key safety performance indicators, including incident rates, near misses, lost-time injuries, and corrective action completion. Prepare regular safety reports and recommendations for senior leadership. Identify opportunities to improve safety systems, equipment, and workplace practices. Maintain accurate safety records, training documentation, inspection reports, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Support internal audits and compliance with SQF, HACCP, cGMP, and applicable food safety requirements. Coordinate hazardous waste management and disposal activities in accordance with applicable requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Post-secondary degree or diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health, Safety Management, or a related field. Minimum 4–7 years of progressive Health & Safety experience, with significant experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Strong knowledge of Ontario OHSA, Regulation 851, and applicable workplace safety regulations. Demonstrated experience independently leading health and safety programs and continuous improvement initiatives. Strong technical knowledge of machine guarding, LOTO, PSRs, hazard assessments, and industrial safety practices. Proven experience leading complex incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation. Experience managing WSIB claims and return-to-work programs. Experience working directly with regulatory authorities and supporting workplace inspections. Experience influencing production leaders and driving accountability for safety performance. CRSP designation or working toward CRSP is strongly preferred. Candidates with extensive, relevant manufacturing safety experience will also be considered. Standard First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge decisions and address unsafe practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage employees at all levels. Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions in situations involving competing operational priorities. Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives through to completion. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Practical, hands-on approach with a strong commitment to employee safety.
This job posting reflects existing vacancy. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process, if selected. Polytainers does not directly use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants. However, Polytainers does use Indeed.com to publicly advertise this posting and Indeed.com does use artificial intelligence as part of the screening process. More information about how Indeed.com uses artificial intelligence in their process can be found here: How Indeed Uses AI: Employer Tools and Responsible Use This position is open to applicants legally authorized to work in Canada. Polytainers is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Polytainers is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. Polytainers Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
