Who Should You Hire for Health and Safety — and When?

When it comes to health and safety, one of the biggest questions companies face is who to hire and when to bring them on board. Whether you’re a small business just getting started or a large organization managing multiple sites, understanding the different levels of safety support can help you make smarter decisions, and save money in the long run.

At GreenSpine Safety Solutions, we often see businesses hiring too early, too late, or hiring the wrong level of professional for their needs. Let’s break down the roles so you can figure out what makes sense for your team, and how expert BC safety consulting can fill the gaps.

1. Health and Safety Advisor or Coordinator — The Front-Line Support

This is the entry-level position in the world of occupational health and safety. These individuals are typically early in their careers, they may have completed several safety training courses or earned a safety certificate but are still developing their field experience.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Conducting safety orientations and toolbox talks

• Completing site inspections and hazard assessments

• Assisting with incident reporting and investigations

• Supporting supervisors with daily safety documentation

You’ll often see these roles on construction sites, manufacturing floors, and industrial projects. They’re the ones walking the site, ensuring compliance, and keeping the safety program moving.

If your company already has a safety program and just needs someone to keep it active and consistent, a safety advisor or coordinator can be a great fit. Just keep in mind they’ll often need mentorship or external safety auditing support from someone more experienced — or from a consulting partner like GreenSpine.

2. Health and Safety Manager — The Program Keeper

Once your business has more than one site, or your safety system is becoming complex, a Health and Safety Manager is often the right fit.

This person brings a few years of experience and can:

• Oversee safety advisors or coordinators

• Manage your existing safety program

• Ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations

• Handle claims management, training plans, and documentation

A manager doesn’t rebuild your safety program from scratch, they maintain and improve what’s already in place. If your company has 50–200 employees or multiple active projects, this level of expertise usually makes sense.

3. Health and Safety Director — The Builder and Strategist

A Health and Safety Director shifts focus from management to strategy, structure, and culture.
This is where organizations start to see transformational results.

Directors typically:

• Build or overhaul safety programs from the ground up

• Conduct detailed safety audits and gap analyses

• Lead cultural and behavioral safety initiatives

• Align safety systems with corporate goals and COR program standards

If you want to elevate your safety performance, not just maintain it, this is your level. A Director looks beyond compliance to create a proactive, engaged safety culture.

Many companies work with fractional safety consultants like GreenSpine Safety Solutions at this stage, bringing in Director-level expertise on a contract basis to build or refresh their system before handing it off to internal staff.

4. VP of Health and Safety — The Executive Leader

At the top level, a Vice President of Health and Safety sets corporate safety strategy across multiple divisions or regions.

This role is typically found in large organizations where:

• Several directors or managers report upward

• There are multiple sites or jurisdictions involved

• Safety performance is tied directly to executive metrics

The VP ensures governance, consistency, and leadership alignment across all operations.
For most small to mid-sized businesses, this level isn’t necessary, but understanding it helps you plan your long-term growth.

So… Who Do You Need Right Now?

If you’re unsure where to start, use this quick guide:

Business Size / Stage Recommended Role When to Consider Fractional Support

Under 50 employees Safety Advisor or Coordinator When you need guidance or mentorship for your in-house person

50–200 employees Safety Manager When your manager needs auditing or updates

200+ employees Safety Director When you want to rebuild or re-energize your program

500+ employees VP of Safety When you need multi-site governance and strategy

Fractional Health and Safety Support — A Smart Option for BC Businesses

Not every company needs a full-time safety professional, and that’s where fractional BC safety consulting comes in.

At GreenSpine Safety Solutions, we offer:

• Safety program design and implementation

• Safety auditing and compliance reviews

• Customized safety training

• Ongoing fractional support to help your internal team thrive

This flexible model gives you Director-level expertise without the cost of a full-time executive, ideal for small and mid-sized businesses across Vancouver Island and BC.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right health and safety professional at the right time keeps your people safe, your organization compliant, and your operations efficient.

If you’re unsure where your company fits, reach out to GreenSpine Safety Solutions. We’ll help you assess your current program, identify your gaps, and recommend the right level of support — whether that’s an advisor, a manager, or fractional Director-level guidance.