Heather Nicol
Calgary,AB
Summary
Professional HSE specialist with solid experience in health, safety, and environmental management. Skilled in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and incident investigation. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting to changing needs and ensuring reliability. Known for effective communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Summary of HSE Responsibilities
Various - as Listed Below
04.2003 - 08.2014
- Development, and assistance in implementation of all the Corporate HSE Policies, Procedures and Practices in local, national and international locations
- Collaboration with location leadership, both nationally and internationally, with incident management, emergency response planning, hazard assessments, corrective action plans, site training and orientations, Pandemic Planning, Business Continuity Planning, Lifecycle WCB Case Management, Spill Response Plans, Monthly Facility Inspections, and WHMIS and TDG Compliance
- On a site level, mentor and guide leadership and employees, delivering appropriate training and orientations to site as required
- All major incident investigations and regular incident follow-up and reporting, including insurance mitigation
- Fatality investigations and multiple dealings with OH&S with and without legal measures
- Coordinate Industrial Hygiene Testing as required to ensure compliance to OH&S Code, Regulations and Act
- Audits of company facilities in North America for adherence to all regulatory, company, client and jurisdictional requirements (including COR audit functions where required)
- Project lead on implementation of the HSEMS ERP throughout all business units, including International planning and implementation
- Preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly reporting, based on key performance indicators
- Prequalification of subcontractors for Sales Team and bid packages, including review of contractor safety plans, and risk analysis for sales and project managers
- Project lead on Implementation of Atco Structures & Logistics’ Contractor Management program through Complyworks
- Conduct ISO 9001 auditing with the Quality Team
- HR related matters dealing with employees including legal disputes and Court related proceedings
- Maintained awareness levels of current legislations for the industry including but not limited to: OH&S, Employment Standards, Water Act, Dangerous Goods Transportation Act, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Traffic Safety Act, Human Rights Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act
- In September of 2010, I was part of a two-person team sent to the Kandahar Air Force Base, Afghanistan, to assist in implementing and conducting training, for the health and safety program for Atco Structures & Logistics staff
- I spent one month on base in theatre
- As listed below
Site HSE Coordinator – Industrial Construction – W.A.T.L.
Empire Iron Works
04.2014 - 08.2014
HSE Coordinator – Canada & NW US
Compressco Canada Inc.
10.2013 - 04.2014
- Responsible for Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota
- Spent one week a month in the US
Corporate HSE Coordinator
ATCO Structures and Logistics
02.2011 - 10.2013
Plant HSE Coordinator – 2009 – 2011
ATCO Structures and Logistics
11.2009 - 01.2011
HR/HSE Manager – 2003 – 2008
KLS Earthworks
04.2003 - 06.2008
Addiction Counselor
Oxford House Foundation of Canada
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Spearheaded the creation of a peer support program, connecting clients with others who had successfully navigated the recovery process for added encouragement and guidance.
- Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, quickly responding to emergencies and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Assessed and treated patients through substance based addictions, making referrals for comorbid conditions.
- Developed customized aftercare plans for discharged clients, ensuring they had access to ongoing support services upon completion of formal treatment programs.
- Led individual and group counseling sessions to meet variety of therapeutic needs for recovering individuals.
- Developed patient care plans and documented progress toward goals.
- Improved client retention rates by providing empathetic support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting open communication among participants and fostering a supportive environment.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, to help clients overcome personal barriers to recovery.
- Assisted clients in identifying triggers and developing personalized coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of relapse.
- Established strong rapport with clients through active listening techniques and empathy, creating an environment conducive to healing.
- Evaluated client progress and adjusted treatment plans as needed to ensure continued success in their recovery journey.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in addiction counseling and treatment methodologies.
Staffing and Intake Coordinator/Support Staff
Sandstone EHN Canada
07.2019 - 11.2020
- Provided excellent customer service to patients, family members, and healthcare providers during the intake process.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of patient information, adhering to HIPAA guidelines and company policies.
- Reduced errors in patient data entry with thorough verification processes and attention to detail.
- Completed intake assessment forms and filed clients' charts.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and open communication among colleagues.
- Conducted initial assessments of patient needs and eligibility for various programs or services offered by the organization.
- Originally hired as support staff in July 2019, I quickly moved into a more senior role as a Staffing and Intake Coordinator, as well as daytime support staff. In February 2020, I became the location implementation specialist and expert for the incoming ERP software, on top of my regular duties. I would also frequently assist the Residential Manager with managerial tasks, weekly and quarterly reporting and supervisory/human resources management at Sandstone. Responsibilities included: Facilitation of daily group psychoeducational sessions using motivational interviewing and solution focused interventions; organizing and maintaining staffing schedules (other than nursing); assessment, coordination and facilitation of all intakes and discharges while working with Intake teams in Nanaimo and Toronto; oversight of all afterhours intakes and discharges; HR records keeping and coordination; new employee orientations; driving clients to appointments or outside activities; support any client experiencing difficulty or needing direction to their counsellor; alerting management or facilitating appropriate behavioural intervention when required in keeping with Sandstone policies; project coordination of ERP implementation, including full location set-up, reporting, testing, and training; assisting in kitchen and reception as needed and for staff coverage.
Addiction Counsellor – Day Support Worker/Supporti
Private Client
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
- Enhanced the quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
- Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule.
- This position was at various times full-time, and 24/7. This client had been diagnosed with ADHD and major cognitive impairment. My role was to support him in maintaining a sober living environment and teaching him both recovery and life skills. This included authentically sharing personal stories and examples modelling a recovery-oriented lifestyle; offering mentorship and recovery support; advocating for the client with his agency supports; ensure a strengths-based approach is maintained; assisting and teaching skills in developing and maintaining or enhancing healthy interpersonal relationships; maintaining the activities of daily living such as hygiene, food preparation, maintenance of the living area and laundry. Due to the clients’ cognitive impairments, the client had a difficult time with needs vs. wants, almost daily, exhibited very escalated behaviours. This required constant crisis and escalation management, as well as continuous communication and teamwork in preventing the client from obtaining substances and leaving any situation unattended. Rapid and immediate problem solving was key in this position.
Education
University Diploma - Arts
Athabasca University
09-2025
Addiction and Community Support Diploma -
Reeves College
Calgary05-2018
Occupational Health and Safety Certificate -
University of Alberta
Calgary, AB06-2015
Skills
- Health And Safety Management System Development
- Compliance Audits
- Incident Response
- Hazard Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Sub Contractor Pre-qualification, ,
- Hazard identification
- Attention to detail
- Workplace inspections
- Excellent communication
- Works effectively in high stress situations
- Effective communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong Decision-making
- Interpersonal skills
- Relationship Building
- Motivational interviewing
- Crisis intervention
- Group facilitation
- Treatment Planning
- Documentation proficiency
- Client assessment
- Substance abuse education
- Trauma-informed care
- Time management
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Psychosocial assessments
- Clinical interventions
- Conflict resolution
- Life skills training
- Interpersonal communication
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
Certification
- Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor CACCF - 2024
- National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) Alberta Construction Safety Association - 2013
- Lead Auditor Trained ISO 9001:2008 BSI - 2012
- Advanced Supervisor Training Course – 20 hour course Merit Contractor’s Association - 2007
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Addiction Counselor
Oxford House Foundation of Canada
04.2022 - 05.2023
Staffing and Intake Coordinator/Support Staff
Sandstone EHN Canada
07.2019 - 11.2020
Addiction Counsellor – Day Support Worker/Supporti
Private Client
06.2018 - 12.2018
Site HSE Coordinator – Industrial Construction – W.A.T.L.
Empire Iron Works
04.2014 - 08.2014
HSE Coordinator – Canada & NW US
Compressco Canada Inc.
10.2013 - 04.2014
Corporate HSE Coordinator
ATCO Structures and Logistics
02.2011 - 10.2013
Plant HSE Coordinator – 2009 – 2011
ATCO Structures and Logistics
11.2009 - 01.2011
Summary of HSE Responsibilities
Various - as Listed Below
04.2003 - 08.2014
HR/HSE Manager – 2003 – 2008
KLS Earthworks
04.2003 - 06.2008
University Diploma - Arts
Athabasca University
Addiction and Community Support Diploma -
Reeves College
Occupational Health and Safety Certificate -
University of Alberta
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