Claudia Ariza

A dedicated results-orientated Professional with combined experience in Human Resource, Health Safety and Environmental Management in both the Automotive and Industrial sectors. I am a dedicated HR Business Partner with a commitment to champion Diversity and Inclusion, with experience in training, coaching, team management and development, evaluation of workplace safety hazards and Implementation of workplace policies and practices. I have developed innovative HR initiatives to streamline processes and capitalize on organizational growth opportunities. A creative thinker, problem solver and decision maker who effectively balances the needs of employees with the mission of the organization.

Human Resource / Environmental Health & Safety Manager 

Premier Candle Corp- Mississauga ON 2017 to February 2023

Home Fragrance Supplier 

Non – unionized facility encompassing of 240 full time employees and 100 plus temporary staff during peak season.

Providing leadership and consultation to management in the areas of employee relations, performance management, salary and performance review, progressive discipline, recruitment, and selection, coaching and development, and policy/legislation awareness. Reporting directly to the CEO with one direct report.

• Providing coaching and guidance to managers and employees in addressing performance issues. 

• Advise on legislative changes and/or trends in HR, ensure on-going legal compliance with all relevant federal and 

provincial employment legislation to ensure consistent and fair policy and practices.

• Develop company handbook and policy development and ensure appropriate communication.

• Provided HR support to facilities to both the manufacturing facility and other business’ holdings

• Manage talent acquisition - review resumes & coordinate the selection process. Conduct pre-screen & preliminary. 

interviews, reference checks & prepare employment offers. 

• Sourcing, organizing, and facilitating training programs with external parties as well as developing and facilitating in 

house training programs to managers and hourly staff. 

• Planning, managing, and executing the annual performance management process from goal setting and 

development planning, through mid and year end performance reviews. 

• Succession planning to support current and future business needs. 

• Counsel and support managers in conflict resolution, terminations and disciplinary actions. 

Environmental Health & Safety

Development of programs, procedures, and training initiatives for the protection of employees, property, and the company’s business interests.

• Maintaining an effective open line of communication with provincial and federal agencies, independent adjusters, 

lawyers, doctors, hospitals, supervisors, and employee claimants to provide comprehensive management of 

workplace incident issues and claims in compliance with WSIB and company policy.

• Lead the COVID-19 support team including creation of policies, training, PPE, pre-screening etc. 

• Ensured continued compliance with all provincial and federal OSHA regulatory requirements

• Ensured accurate record keeping and data collection for injury and accident reporting

• Conduct in-depth accident/occupational injury investigations

• Develop and deliver required safety training

• Develop standard operating procedures for key Safety-Sensitive job functions

• Conduct Annual Safety Compliance Audits

• Direct the design and implementation of employee training programs to ensure a high quality and safe workforce

• Management of the Division’s industrial hygiene program in conjunction with the Company’s program

Health Safety and Environmental Specialist

Johnson Controls 

Milton, ON

November 2015 to December 2016 (Contract) 

Automotive Seating Supplier for Toyota. 

Non- unionized facility encompassing of approximately 180 employees. 
Responsible for managing the company's health, safety and environment compliance issues, and for delivering and maintaining a safe and secure working environment for all staff. 
• Identifying hazardous conditions and practices in the workplace. 
• Leading a small cross-functional team to establish standards and ensure that potential hazards are identified, understood and controlled. 
• Reviewing and overseeing safety procedures. 
• Organizing in-house health & safety training for managers and employees. 
• Making changes to working practices. 
• Identifying probable risks. Job Safety Analysis 
• Providing training, assistance and mentoring to team members. 
• Keeping abreast of Health & Safety legislation. 
• Monthly KPI's 

 

Disability Specialist / HR Generalist

Mississauga Seating Systems (Division of Magna International)

Mississauga, ON

February 2013 to December 2015

Tier 1 Automotive Seating Supplier for Ford 
A unionized (UNIFOR) facility encompassing of approximately 420 employees. 

Primary responsibilities are claims management, disability management, return to work plans, and positive employee relations. Daily interaction primarily with all salaried and hourly union personnel and its representatives; in order to address actual or potential issues utilizing a pro-active philosophy to ensure continuous improvement. 
• Managed disability medical claims in compliant with guidelines under the WSIB 
• Provide regular reporting to measure health, safety and environment performance. 
• Worked with in house Ergonomist to review and identify issues 
• Discussed and made regular decisions on disability management process 
• Reviewed claims and adjudicated with all benefit carriers to ensure proper management of claims 
• Assist in resolving workplace issues - listening, reporting issues, documenting, follow up, and fostering the use of the "open door" policy. 
• Reduction of LTI and LTD ensuring quick and safe RTW programs 
• Administer benefits programs for current and former employees. 
• Manage leave of absence including STD & LTD 
• Conduct Open Door Meetings for the afternoon shift primarily. 
• Provide HR Manager with information relevant to the development of company policies and procedures. 
• Responsible for the duties specified under the Occupational Health & Safety Act 
• Compile job descriptions, review job functions, and verify on-the-job trainings for all new hires. 
• Designed and developed various recruitment programs. 
• Talent acquisition through inhouse agency and external vendors 

• Conduct termination process for voluntarily and involuntarily terminations. 
• Participate in all audits relating to HR (i.e., HR Assessment, H&S Audit/Inspections, etc.) 
• Conduct monthly LPA'S 

 

Human Resources / Health Safety

Martinrea International Inc. 

Brampton, ON

November 2004 to November 2012

Atlas Fluid Systems a division of Martinrea International 
Atlas is a power steering cylinder line, transmission cooler line and assembly line facility in Brampton, Ontario encompassing over 300 employees. 
 
• Responsible for adhering to all provincial and federal health regulations with OHSA and WSIB requirements, Ministry of Labour 
• Provide regular reporting to measure health, safety and environment performance. 
• Examine all equipment for ergonomic safety. 
• Devise safer methods to process controls to maintain and improve insurance, workers' compensation and injury management procedures and practices; to minimize expense to the division and to assist injured employees in early return to work 
• Conducting plant inspections, injury/illness statistical analysis, supervisor safety training, and accident investigations, including plant wide hygiene studies for air contaminates, including hearing conservation program requirements 
• Responsible for divisional administration and implementation of occupational safety and health 
• Designed and implemented training program for new company employees and existing. 
• Developed policies/procedures such as safe operating procedural manuals 
• Researched and evaluated management practices, training and development programs, leadership principles and employee relations

Human Resource Manager

MJ Manufacturing a Division of Martinrea International 

Mississauga, ON

July 1997 to November 2004

Martinrea International encompasses of over 30 divisions worldwide MJ manufacturing employs 200+ skilled industrial labourers. Manufacturing of bus frames and heavy industrial components for major automobile industries 

Passenger Service Agent

Canada 3000 Airlines

January 1997 to August 1999

Executive Administrative Assistant

Investors Group

August 1995 to January 1997

Education

Certification in Executive Administrative Support

Schulich School of Business (Division of York University)

2002

Business Administration

Sheridan College 1992

Additional Information

IAPA – WSPS SAFETY GROUPS –SGAP LEADER 
Training Services (Training Consulting Services)  Trainer 
Software Skills:  
Microsoft Office Suite PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Word, Outlook calendar management  
PeopleSoft  
LAGUAGES: Fluency in English and Spanish

Education

Certification in Executive Administrative Support

Schulich School of Business (Division of York University)

2002

Business Administration

Sheridan College 1992