Zaid Von Velten
Occupational Health, Safety, & Claims Managment Professional
Milton
Summary
Highly proficient and dedicated Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) expert with extensive experience in disability management/workers’ compensation WSIB, employee well-being & wellness.
Specializing in occupational health, safety, and claims management within dynamic complex workplace environments (Both unionized and non-unionized), While ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory standards, while fostering the corporate culture of health and safety, and early and safe return to work.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Maple Leaf Foods
04.2022 - Current
- Identifying accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
- Researching and devising new safety initiatives and strategies to improve safety performance.
- Educating employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
- Performing safety analyses to evaluate potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Initiating and participating in the design and implementation of improved production and cost reduction methods through the use of Six Sigma.
- Ensuring that a high level of morale is maintained among associates and creating an environment where associates are motivated to achieve company goals and objectives.
- Continuous auditing of safety management systems to identify risks and potential non-conformances.
- Leading the effective development, delivery and implementation of health & safety policies, programs and communications that support the maintenance and evolution of Maple Leaf Foods Health and Safety Management System (HSMS).
- Proud Maple Leaf Foods Zero Hero club member by achieving zero TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate) and DART (Days Away, Restricted or Transferred) for 26 continuous months.
- Collaborating with national and regional stakeholders to define best practices, opportunities, and process gaps; and aligning local stakeholders to develop and implement the processes.
- Ensuring appropriate methodologies, tools, and approaches are used to drive safety improvements. Continuing to advocate for future workplace safety improvements by partnering with and challenging the business and leadership
- Ensuring execution of the EHS management systems, including annual planning (SHARP), standardized national programs/policies/procedures, and external and internal social compliance auditing.
- Monitoring, interpreting, and assessing existing or emerging EHS laws, regulations, regulatory policies, and industry practices; determining operational and business impacts; and developing, integrating, communicating, and executing strategies to manage EHS outcomes effectively.
- Actively managing end-to-end all site's workplace safety and insurance board claims.
Environmental, Health & Safety Specialist
Apollo Health and Beauty Care
05.2018 - 04.2022
- Lead accident/injuries investigation by evaluating and analyzing accident reports, OSHA logs, and all WSIB claims to establish root cause analysis to prepare recommendations for prevention.
- Design and monitor the workplace environment throughout the facility by analyzing employees' work operations and processes, materials, equipment, work habits, incident reporting, standard operating procedures (SOP), and maintaining training records.
- Design and implement safety programs/procedures for the facility to include, but not limited to, Emergency response and fire prevention, injury and illness prevention, Lockout/Tagout, correct handling techniques of wastes, equipment and materials.
- Design and implement systematic safety inspections/audits to detect hazards and unsafe conditions to ensure compliance with MOL regulations.
- Lead and facilitate the safety team and JHSC in administering/maintaining the EHS program and environmental management system, providing leadership, technical guidance, safety education and training pertinent to MOL regulations.
- Complete and maintain annual environmental reports (National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), ChemTRAC, Environmental Compliance Approvals, Emission Summary and Dispersion Model (ESDM), and Toxic Reduction Act Plans and Reports.
- Conduct routine audits, inspections, risk assessments, job safety analysis to identify deficiencies in manufacturing processes and develop corrective actions to mitigate or control risks by assuring the Health and Safety of employees and regulatory compliance in the workplace.
- Identify training needs, implement training programs and conduct all safety training, including new hire safety orientation.
- Act as a facilitator during MOL, MOE and Customer social compliance inspections/audits.
- Coordinate Work Reintegration (WR) programs and actively manage the WSIB claims process.
- Actively participate alongside the engineering team in onboarding new equipment and process design.
- Create, implement and maintain corporate recycling program.
- Create, implement and maintain PPE programs/inventory, satisfying worker needs and corporate cost-saving.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within environmental health and safety areas.
Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator
Canada Fibers LTD
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Coordinated all aspects of the company's health & safety and environmental management systems.
- Developed, implemented and evaluated policies and programs to ensure the company complies with applicable legislation and standards.
- Maintained a strong 'ground-level' presence throughout the company to promote HSE objectives and monitor compliance.
- Delivered health and safety-related training and communication to individuals and groups throughout the company.
- Liaised with regulators, auditors and other external stakeholders as needed.
- Worked with HR teammates to ensure HSE elements were integrated with HR processes.
- Administer training activities, including liaison with external partners.
- Planned/prepared for all health & safety-related internal and external audits
- Carried out Environmental Management System audits and related activities.
- Managed worker compensation claims and RTW program
- Provided information and support to individuals at all company levels regarding HSE matters.
- Participated in cross-training and provided backup for critical functions as directed by the E, H&S Manager.
Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator
Bacardi Canada Inc
11.2013 - 08.2015
- Provided new-employee health and safety orientations and developed materials for presentations.
- Identified accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
- Recommended measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes and materials.
- Developed recommendations to reduce hazards by improving gear, behaviours and procedures.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote a safe working environment.
- Led JHSC meetings on a monthly basis, maintained meeting minutes and posted to internal boards.
- Conducted various safety inspections to ensure compliance with the company H&S programs.
Education
Post-Degree Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto, ON 01.2017 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon 01.2009 - 01.2012
Skills
WSIB Claims Management
Disability Management
Ergonomics
Union Relations
Ontario Regulations
Ontario Human Rights Code
Continuous Improvement
Social Compliance
Risk Assessments
Root Cause Analysis
Analytical Thinking
Certification
Mental Health First Aid
Timeline
Internal Auditor
03-2023
Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification
08-2022
Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Maple Leaf Foods
04.2022 - Current
JHSC Certification (Part I & II) Manufacturing
10-2021
First Aid, CPR and AED - Level C
07-2021
Mental Health First Aid
09-2019
Spill Response
08-2018
Environmental, Health & Safety Specialist
Apollo Health and Beauty Care
05.2018 - 04.2022
Post-Degree Certificate - Occupational Health And Safety
Toronto Metropolitan University
01.2017 - 01.2019
Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator
Canada Fibers LTD
08.2015 - 05.2018
Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator
Bacardi Canada Inc
11.2013 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
American University of Beirut
01.2009 - 01.2012