Program Leader Safety (readvertised) - V24/9449

TRIM No. Date last reviewed: Page 1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Program Leader Safety Position Number: Directorate: OCEO Service: Safety and Hazardous Materials Location: Katoomba Position Classification: Band 11 Date Created/Updated July 2024 POSITION PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE The Program Leader Safety is instrumental in shaping and advancing the safety culture at Blue Mountains City Council. The primary objective of this role is to collaborate closely with the Manager Safety and Hazardous Materials and the Senior Leadership Team SLT to educate, implement, review, and enhance the Council’s health and safety protocols in the workplace. Additionally, this role involves managing and responding to the Council's daily safety operations alongside the Safety Team. RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Manager Safety and Hazardous Materials Report to: P00979 Staff Responsibility: 2 Key Internal Relationships: All of Council Key External Relationships: • SafeWork NSW • Unions • Workers Compensation • BMCC’s Contractors • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead the Safety Team, overseeing the Council’s entire Safety Management System, including compliance with the WHS Legislation, ISO Standards, programs, reporting, audits and task assignment. • Provide high-level advice and support to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) for proactive WHS management, including audits, reviews, and monitoring legislative changes. Collaborate with the Safety and Hazardous Materials Manager to inform the SLT on service impacts and conduct regular updates and training sessions. TRIM No. Date last reviewed: Page 2 • In collaboration with service managers, oversee, review, and update WHS Service Risk Registers, including physical, health, and psychosocial risks. • Ensure all documentation and record-keeping align and comply with legal requirements, including maintaining the Council’s documented safety management system. • Act as a primary WHS representative at the Council, promoting a culture of curiosity, education, and collaboration through regular site visits, communications, consultation forums, feedback solicitation, and issue resolution. • Partner with the Manager of Safety and Hazardous Materials to implement the organisational Safety Strategy, ensuring all initiatives are evidence-based, planned, organised, budgeted, executed, and regularly reviewed and adapted based on performance data and emerging risks. • Develop and deliver monitoring and reporting on WHS performance metrics to inform the SLT on service trends and risks. • Maximize staff and team use of the Council’s electronic risk management system, “Vault,” ensuring comprehensive and accurate reporting on incidents, observations, near misses, investigations, and other WHS events in a timely manner. • Develop and manage the safety training and workplace inspection programs efficiently, conducting regular training needs assessments and updating training programs to ensure continuous improvement and regulatory compliance. • Deliver detailed safety reports, statistical metrics, and data to management and the executive, and represent the Safety Team on Council committees and work groups as required, using these reports to consult with workers to learn and continuously improve. • Develop, test, and update emergency management plans to ensure the Council is prepared for and can effectively respond to workplace emergencies. • Engage with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry groups, training providers and the community, to enhance WHS practices and ensure alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements. • Efficiently allocate and manage resources, including budget and personnel, to support WHS initiatives and ensure the safety team has the necessary training, tools, PPE and support to perform their roles effectively. • Work closely with the Program Leader Hazardous Materials and the Hazardous Materials Team and model a positive workplace culture within the service. Guiding Principles • We act as one organisation responding to the changing needs of our LGA and community • We are strategy led, driven by our Community Strategic Plan with clear priorities and focus • We are service focused & we continuously improve service provision and provide excellent customer service • We collaborate and work together to achieve our outcomes • We ensure safety and well-being is at the centre of our organisation, operations and culture • We are a financially sustainable organisation, living within our means, ensuring best value resource allocation These Guidelines complement the Council’s adopted Values of: Work Together; Work Safe Home safe; Service Excellence; Value for Money; Trust and Respect; and, Supporting Community. Workplace Health & Safety TRIM No. Date last reviewed: Page 3 Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and responsibilities as outlined in Councils policies and procedures and under the relevant WHS legislation. These include but are not limited to: identifying potentially unsafe situations or work practices and notifying your Supervisor or Manager (or the Health, Safety Manager/Area Safety Representative); never performing a task that you believe is dangerous or for which you do not have the experience, or have not received appropriate instructions and training or where the correct equipment to carry out the task safely is not available; always work in a safe manner and in accordance with safety instructions, where applicable; use the work equipment supplied for the job, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions), and any personal protective equipment, which the Council deems necessary and has provided; be safety aware and report any actions to your line manager which will assist the Council to meet its legal workplace health and safety obligations. You have the right to cease or direct cessation of unsafe work. In addition, you are required at all times to comply with Councils Asbestos Management Plan and Policy. Compliance & Risk You are responsible for ensuring that you conduct your risk management responsibilities as described in council's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy and Procedure (the ERM Framework) to ensure that potential risks are identified and reported in a timely manner COMMUNICATION The Program Leader Safety is required to communicate effectively with all levels across the organisation, including Directors and the CEO. The position also involves engaging with regulators, government agencies, workers compensation and the community. The incumbent will utilise well-developed verbal and written communication skills to convey information related to the safety team's operations, investigations and the management of workplace health and safety (WHS) matters across the organisation. The position is responsible for preparing formal Council reports, drafting and delivering SLT briefings, responding to requests for assistance and general correspondence directed to the Safety team. The role also requires delivering training on WHS topics and related safety practices to other areas of the organisation as needed. JUDGEMENT & PROBLEM SOLVING The position is responsible for coordinating the Safety Team and will use appropriate judgement to ensure the safety of this team and the broader organisation. The position will identify areas of risk related to workplace health and safety (WHS) management that may impact individuals, the community, or the organisation more broadly. Upon identifying risk, this position will consider a range of options and solutions within their area of expertise, guidelines, and established practices that can be implemented to eliminate or mitigate the risk. The incumbent will make recommendations to the Manager of Safety and Hazardous Materials that will inform recommendations to executive and the CEO on matters that do not fall within established guidelines and practices and implement resolutions as determined. This includes developing and updating WHS risk registers, risk TRIM No. Date last reviewed: Page 4 assessment, safety procedures, and emergency response plans and ensuring compliance with relevant WHS legislation and standards. AUTHORITY The incumbent will be required to: • Effectively manage the budget focus areas under their control and associated financial delegations. • The position will have delegated authority to approve expenditures for works up to $20,000. • Effectively manage staff within the team and associated leave, recruitment and performance management authorisations. • Direct that unsafe work cease and spend up to $50,000 to make safe based on risk identified problems in the workplace. SKILL, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES Essential Criteria • Tertiary qualifications within the relevant field of Work Health and Safety (WHS) or related discipline • Demonstrated experience managing a WHS program within a large , complex organisation. • Comprehensive understanding of WHS legislation, regulations, and codes of practice • Proven track record in implementing and maintaining WHS management systems that are compliant with ISO 45001 and 45003 or equivalent. • In-depth knowledge of hazard identification, risk management, and incident investigation. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including preparing formal reports and delivering presentations. • Proven ability to lead and manage a team, fostering a collaborative and safety-focused culture. • Demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. • Experience in developing and delivering WHS training programs to diverse audiences. Desirable Criteria • Experience in psychosocial risk assessments and wellbeing programs • Experience in emergency management and preparedness planning. • Experience working in a local government setting or similar public sector environment. • Experience in managing hazardous materials and understanding of hazardous materials regulations. • Active membership in professional associations related to WHS, such as the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS). TRIM No. Date last reviewed: Page 5 BMCC POSITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS NOTE: to be completed with the Recruitment Requisition form by the requesting Manager/ Supervisor. Please contact the WH&S Officer if assistance is required in completing this form. Position: Program Leader Safety Responsible Manager/Supervisor: Manager Safety and Hazardous Materials Signature: Date: Complete the physical requirements and working condition sections of the table below based on an employees average daily exposure to the tasks listed. Ratings as follows: Exposure Level Rating No Exposure 0 Low Exposure (0 – 2hrs daily) 1 Medium Exposure (2 – 4hrs daily) 2 High Exposure (4 – 8hrs daily) 3 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Heavy Manual Tasks 1 Pushing loads > 5kgs 1 Frequent bending/ stooping 1 Sitting for extended periods 2 Light Manual Tasks 1 Pulling loads >5kgs 1 Repetitive Lifting 1 Standing for extended periods 2 Trunk Twisting 1 Extend arms for reaching 1 Elevating arms above shoulder height 1 Kneeling for extended periods 1 Climbing to access/ exit excavations 1 Throwing 0 Walking on uneven ground 1 Walking for extended periods 2 Balancing 1 Crawling 1 Hearing above background noise 1 Depth Perception 1 Colour Vision 1 Fine Manipulation 1 Shoveling/Digging 0 WORKING CONDITIONS PHYSICAL Inside Work 2 Outside Work 2 High Temperatures > 38deg 1 Low Temperatures < 3 deg 1 Operating Machinery 1 Working Near Machinery 1 Working at Heights 1 Noisy Work Areas 1 Vibration 1 Confined Spaces 1 Prolonged Driving (periods > 2hours) 1 Working Alone 2 Overhead Work 1 Use of computer for screen-based activities. 2 Prolonged Sitting (periods > 1hour) 2 Prolonged Standing (periods > 1 hour) 2 CHEMICALS BIOLOGICAL Dusts 0 Liquids 0 Pesticide Spraying 0 Herbicide Spraying 0 Working with Solvents 0 Mists / Fumes 0 Possible exposure to Hepatitis A, B, C 0 Possible exposure to Tetanus 0 Gases/ Vapours 0 Odours 0 BIOMECHANICAL Repetitiveness 1 Fatigue 1 ASBESTOS Asbestos Awareness √ None of the below Class B Asbestos Removal Asbestos Removal and Supervision Asbestos Assessor USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Safety Boots/ Shoes 2 Dust Mask/ Respirator 2 Protective Eyewear 2 Ear plugs/Muffs 2 Hard Hat 2 Provide a brief description of the job requirements: The Program Leader Safety will lead the Safety Team and ensure compliance with WHS legislation and ISO standards. This role involves managing the Council’s Safety Management System, conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and delivering WHS training. Key responsibilities include advising senior leadership, maintaining safety documentation, leading emergency preparedness, and promoting a safety culture. The incumbent must have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills and experience managing WHS programs in complex environments. The role also requires preparing safety reports, managing budgets, and ensuring effective resource allocation. TRIM No. Date last reviewed: Page 6 A critical aspect of this role is collaborating with teams in their workplaces to ensure safety practices are understood and implemented effectively. The Program Leader Safety will regularly engage with staff across various sites, providing guidance, conducting inspections, and fostering a proactive approach to workplace health and safety. The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, and dedicated to fostering a safe and healthy work environment for all Council employees and stakeholders.