Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Degrees
Candidate Profile
Timeline
Generic

William Lavigne

Toronto,Ontario

Summary

Through collaboration, teamwork and strong leadership, encourage a culture of organizational health, safety and accountability. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness Manager

North York Hospital
01.2023 - Current
  • Managed 21-22 staff with specialties in Nursing, Safety, Wellness Disability Case Management and administrative dutierked to ensure NYGH achieved our strategic plan.
  • Assisted with updating Disability Case Management process.
  • Developed training plans for compliance with the MOL and other government organizations
  • Led fundraising efforts of HHWG (Healthy Hospital Working Group) An association of over 45 hospitals to work toward improving wellness at hospitals.
  • Increased employee participation in wellness initiatives by conducting engaging educational workshops and seminars.
  • Coordinated with insurance carriers to provide incentives for employee participation in wellness initiatives, resulting in lower premiums and improved coverage options.
  • Met or exceeded monthly revenue and training goals.
  • Served as a subject matter expert on workplace wellness matters, providing guidance and support to senior leadership on strategies for improving employee health and wellbeing.
  • Measured the success of implemented wellness programs through data analysis and reporting, allowing for continuous improvement efforts.
  • Developed an effective communications strategy to keep employees informed about upcoming events, available resources, and program updates related to workplace wellness initiatives.
  • Managed wellness program budget effectively by allocating resources wisely and exploring cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality or effectiveness.

Health Safety and Wellness Manager

Ross Memorial Hospital
04.2020 - 01.2023
  • Subject matter leader for all health and safety matter
  • Led and created strategic direction.
  • Worked collaboratively to reduce claims costs, develop COVID 19 protocols.
  • KPIs related to workplace violence were collected and improved.
  • MRP (Most Responsible Person) for all covid policies and protocols.
  • Managed and directed the team of Occupational Health and Safety
  • Led the Health and Safety Excellence program at the hospital
  • Chaired the following committees: Musculoskeletal Injury Reduction, Emergency Codes and Preparedness
  • JHSC, Wellness Committee
  • Led fundraising aspect of the HHWG (Healthy Hospital Working Group) Member of the following: Management Committee, PESC, IPAC, Education and Training
  • Patient Handling and Ergonomics lead for the organization
  • Completed PDA’s and Coached RTW and Disability Claims advisors
  • Led budgetary and purchasing discussions and direction for the department.

Regional Health and Safety Manger (Eastern Canada)

Northview Apartment REIT
09.2019 - 04.2020
  • Responsible for all properties from Ontario to Newfoundland over 600 properties; advised on Wellness, Health and Safety, Ergonomics and Claims management in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland
  • Completed inspections and advised on strategic direction for HSE team
  • Lead on all harassment and workplace violence investigations nationally
  • Supervised 4 direct reports.
  • Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
  • Educated employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
  • Identified opportunities to remove hazards from workplace and developed programs and processes to mitigate [Type] workplace hazards.
  • Partnered with HR teams on employee wellness initiatives that supported overall workforce health, contributing to increased productivity levels across the organization.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Markham Stouffville Hospital
04.2019 - 09.2019
  • Responsible for all aspects of health and safety wellness government interactions with MOL and WSIB
  • Responsible for more difficult claims and Ergonomics throughout the hospital
  • Created strategic ergonomic alliance with a number of ergonomic providers such as Ergotron and Humanscale.

Senior Health and Safety Specialist

Scarborough Health Network
12.2014 - 04.2019
  • Leader of MIPP program (Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program), including monitoring and reporting on program performance, policy development and implementation and operational programming
  • Ergonomics lead at the Hospital, including establishment of ongoing ergonomics reviews in high risk areas
  • Involved in numerous committees and staff engagement projects
  • Safety lead cross site – Centenary and Ajax/Pickering
  • Member of the Health and Safety Advisory Committee of the Ontario Hospital Association and leadership of safety group participation at Rouge Valley
  • Administrative liaison and resource for Joint Health & Safety Committees at both sites
  • Trained as an instructor “Train the Trainer” from CPI crisis prevention non-violent de-escalation techniques
  • Developed and executed all requirements for WSIB “Safety groups” program.

Scarborough Health Network

Scarborough Health Network
01.2014 - 01.2019
  • Became lead for Ergonomics and patient handling for all locations affiliated with Scarborough and Rouge Hospital
  • This was a multi site roles with responsibilities in three main sites and 11 sites overall.
  • Championed the implementation of standardized processes for change management, ensuring minimal impact on service levels during network updates and modifications.
  • Managed relationships with vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts to optimize cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to improve overall security posture by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate countermeasures.

Interim Manager, Occupational Health, Safety & Healthy Workplace

Scarborough Health Network
08.2016 - 04.2017
  • This temporary role was required to manage and directly supervise a team of professional Occupational Health staff across two hospital sites that included Nurses, administrative support, a wellness professional and Disability Case Managers
  • Continued with safety responsibilities during this assignment
  • Led the Accreditation Survey on behalf of the Occupational Health team in 2016, with exemplary results for the health and safety functions at Rouge Valley
  • Led Occupational Health team through preparation for and implementation of the merger of The Scarborough Hospital and Rouge Valley Health System in December, 2016
  • This included the split of Rouge Valley and subsequent mergers of Ajax Pickering with Lakeridge Health and Centenary with Scarborough Hospital
  • Leadership of day-to-day Occupational Health operations, including health and wellness; injury and disability management, including WSIB; emergency planning and crisis response; monitoring of performance indicators and process improvement; clinical occupational nursing support for 3,500 staff, physicians and volunteers
  • Corporate contact with Ministry of Labor through proactive audits at both sites and on all complaints and safety matters pertaining to the Hospital
  • Champion of the Lean philosophy and Lean principles at Rouge Valley
  • Oversight of the attendance support program policy and related activities
  • Planned and managed transition and standardization efforts for the Occupational Health departments of the three merged sites (Lakeridge, Rouge Valley and Scarborough)
  • All responsibilities identified as part of the Senior Health and Safety Specialist position below
  • Worked closely with security and was the lead on Safety plans for patients and staff
  • Member of the Emergency Management Committee and first responder for the fire prevention and emergency preparedness rapid response
  • Trained in Lean methodologies and incorporated a continuous improvement mindset in all aspects of the business.

Health and Safety Manager

Fairmont Royal York Hotel
01.2011 - 12.2014
  • Led and planned wellness activities that allowed the Hotel to win a wellness award from Canada’s Safest Employers 2013 and 2014
  • Led all safety staff and directed policies for Fairmont Canada eastern/central region
  • Chair of Joint Health & Safety Committee
  • Responsible for interactions with Ministry of Labor and Workers’ Safety & Insurance Board
  • Planned and developed initiatives such as step program and wellness fairs and strategies for engagement and safety
  • Reduced WSIB premium costs and went from surcharge to refund in three consecutive years
  • Created and chaired wellness committee and RTW committee
  • Led the Hotel to a performance rating of 0.01 with the WSIB
  • Participated in both Human Rights and WSIB Tribunals
  • Developed tools and training for AODA compliance
  • Reported compliance for the AODA
  • Collaborated with security and developed safety plans for large events and international conferences
  • Developed and executed all requirements for the WSIB “Safety groups” program.

Case Manager, Absence Management Solutions

Manulife Financial
03.2009 - 01.2011
  • Evaluated and substantiated medical absences
  • Provided recommendations on Ergonomic issues
  • Developed work hardening programs, coordinated disability claims
  • Developed and coordinated RTW Planning and intervention
  • Expert in Parklane, Navigator and SAP software
  • Lead manager on PPD (permanent partial disability project) Canada Post account
  • Trainer for the department on medical evaluation.

Recreation and Health and Safety Coordinator

Compass Group
02.2008 - 02.2009
  • Developed and implemented recreational programs
  • Completed maintenance on recreational equipment
  • Developed stretching and low back injury prevention programs - reduced injury rate by 40%
  • Member of Joint Health and Safety Committee
  • Conducted kitchen food safety audits.

Health and Safety Representative

Lear Corporation
07.2002 - 01.2008
  • Member of Joint Health and Safety Committee
  • Conducted safety audits
  • Investigated accidents, work refusals and developed accident prevention strategies
  • Certified as a Six Sigma green belt.

Ergonomics Consultant

Oshawa Health Center
04.2004 - 03.2007
  • Performed Ergonomic evaluations
  • Developed and conducted non-dominant hand training
  • Developed and conducted work hardening programs.

Training Consultant

Ontario Provincial Police Academy
01.2003 - 01.2004
  • Created specific training programs to predict and reduce injuries to higher risk cadets.
  • Maintained detailed records of training sessions, participant feedback, and program outcomes to support evidence-based decision making.

Biomechanics trainer

Strategix Exercise Center
09.2000 - 03.2003
  • Rehab specialist trained in MAT (muscle activation techniques)
  • Developed complex training & rehabilitation programs collaboratively
  • Created treatment plans.

Ergonomics Consultant

Cara foods (Kelsey’s restaurants)
01.1999 - 01.2003
  • Completed PDA`s (Physical demands assessments)
  • Developed programs designed to reduce musculoskeletal strains and to increase productivity in various outlets
  • Developed programs to eliminate repetitive stress disorders and reduce force levels.

Head Trainer/Fitness Appraiser

Premier Fitness Club
01.1998 - 09.2000
  • Supervised 27 trainers and admin staff
  • Developed exercise programs
  • Developed and monitored sales targets for training staff
  • Developed and implemented wellness programs within the facility for clients and staff.

Education

M.Sc - Biomechanics

University of Toronto
Toronto, ON
01.2002

Bachelor of Science - KinesiologyEconomics

York University
Toronto, ON
05.2000

Associate of Science - Electronics

Durham College
Oshawa, ON
05.1999

Skills

  • Work-Life Balance
  • Body composition evaluations
  • Health Promotion
  • Injury Prevention
  • Group Instruction
  • Behavior Change
  • Fitness programming
  • Individualized Education
  • Service Promotion
  • Mental Health Support
  • Budget Administration
  • Class Management
  • Safety Monitoring
  • Supervision and leadership
  • Multitasking Abilities

Languages

French
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual

Certification

  • Mental Health for Leaders (Queens University 2023)
  • Basic French – George Brown College 2022
  • Resilience in Children – Coursera (University of Minnesota) 2021
  • The Science of Well Being and Happiness – Coursera (Yale University) 2021
  • Mental Health Resilience Coursera –(U of T) 2021
  • CPI Certified instructor 2020
  • Mental Health Commission Mental Health First aid instructor 2019
  • CPI Certified instructor 2018
  • Leading Edge Leadership Training 2015
  • Mental Health-First Aid 2015
  • DDI Interaction Management 2012
  • Labor law fundamentals 2012
  • Seven Habits of Highly Effective People 2012
  • Dale Carnegie (human relations course) 2011
  • Case Management Standards (Manulife Financial) 2010
  • Pyramid fitness diagnostic certificate 2008
  • Basic Certification modules (Confined Space) 2008
  • Basic Certification (Falls Arrest, lock out tag out, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Occupational Ergonomics) 2007
  • Basic Certification (Slips trips and falls, Motorized lifting equipment (fork lifts) 2006
  • Basic Certification (Hazard Identification, Heat stress, Compressed Gases) 2005

Degrees

  • M.Sc
  • B.Sc
  • B.A.

Candidate Profile

  • Over 20 years’ experience in Health Safety & Wellness.
  • Passionate in all aspects of Safety, Disability Management and Wellness.
  • Experience in Lean management in numerous sectors and modalities.
  • Three consecutive national wellness awards with Canada’s safest employer.
  • Experience in Insurance Case Management.
  • Experience in many sectors. (Industrial, Insurance, Oil and Gas, Hospitality and Healthcare)
  • Successfully led and mentored teams.
  • Completed numerous leadership programs such as Dale Carnegie, and Seven Habits of effective people as well as leadership programs within numerous sectors.
  • Representative for MOL stakeholder meetings for both Hospitality and Healthcare.
  • Demonstrated achievements in auditing and change management specifically with WSIB and performance.
  • Specialist in patient handling.
  • Certified MAT therapist.
  • Certified in Mental Health First Aid for Leaders. Queens University 2023.
  • Recent certification in Mental Health First Aid.
  • Represented Hospitality and Healthcare sectors in MOL stakeholder discussions.

Timeline

Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness Manager

North York Hospital
01.2023 - Current

Health Safety and Wellness Manager

Ross Memorial Hospital
04.2020 - 01.2023

Regional Health and Safety Manger (Eastern Canada)

Northview Apartment REIT
09.2019 - 04.2020

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Markham Stouffville Hospital
04.2019 - 09.2019

Interim Manager, Occupational Health, Safety & Healthy Workplace

Scarborough Health Network
08.2016 - 04.2017

Senior Health and Safety Specialist

Scarborough Health Network
12.2014 - 04.2019

Scarborough Health Network

Scarborough Health Network
01.2014 - 01.2019

Health and Safety Manager

Fairmont Royal York Hotel
01.2011 - 12.2014

Case Manager, Absence Management Solutions

Manulife Financial
03.2009 - 01.2011

Recreation and Health and Safety Coordinator

Compass Group
02.2008 - 02.2009

Ergonomics Consultant

Oshawa Health Center
04.2004 - 03.2007

Training Consultant

Ontario Provincial Police Academy
01.2003 - 01.2004

Health and Safety Representative

Lear Corporation
07.2002 - 01.2008

Biomechanics trainer

Strategix Exercise Center
09.2000 - 03.2003

Ergonomics Consultant

Cara foods (Kelsey’s restaurants)
01.1999 - 01.2003

Head Trainer/Fitness Appraiser

Premier Fitness Club
01.1998 - 09.2000

M.Sc - Biomechanics

University of Toronto

Bachelor of Science - KinesiologyEconomics

York University

Associate of Science - Electronics

Durham College
William Lavigne