George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Jaya Khemchandra,
H.BSc, CRSP®, COHS, WWHP, PHSP
Biography
Jaya Khemchandra is an award-winning leader in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), bringing over a decade of progressive experience spanning unionized public sector organizations and private industry. She is recognized nationally for her leadership, having been named one of OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40 safety professionals in 2024 and a Top Woman in Safety 2025 by Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine.
Jaya currently teaches in the post-graduate Human Resources Management program at George Brown Polytechnic, where she specializes in Occupational Health and Safety. Her courses cover a range of topics including Health & Safety Legislation, Disability Management, and Workplace Wellness. Known for her ability to blend academic theory with real-world experience, she integrates case studies and strategic insights to enhance student engagement and career readiness.
Beyond the classroom, Jaya holds a leadership role in the public sector, here she leads strategic health and safety initiatives and champions a culture of prevention, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Academic Credentials
- Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences – University of Toronto, 2010
- Post-Graduate Diploma, Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion (Honors), Centennial College, 2014
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Honors), Durham College, 2017
- Industry Certifications:
- Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP®), Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, 2021
- Certified Psychological Health & Safety Professional (PHSP), Canadian Mental Health Association, 2022
- Certified Psychologically Safe Leader (CPSL), University of New Brunswick, 2022
- Certified Auditor, ISO 45001:2018 – OHS Management Systems, 2024
Areas of Specialization
- Human Resources Management
- Occupational Health and Safety
Areas of Expertise
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion
- Disability Management and Return-to-Work Programs
- Human Resources Management
- Ergonomics
- Safety Management Systems
- Industrial Hygiene
- Fire Protection and Emergency Planning
- Environmental Management
- Labour Relations
- Quality Auditing and Compliance
- Safety Training, Education, and Program Development
- Psychological Health and Safety
Career Highlights
- 2024–Present – Professor, Human Resources Management, George Brown Polytechnic, Centre for Business
- 2023–Present – Occupational Health & Safety Specialist, Metrolinx
- 2019–2023 – Senior HR Health & Wellness Consultant, City of Toronto
- 2016–2019 – HR Consultant, Occupational Health, Safety & Disability Management, City of Toronto
- 2015–2016 – HR Associate, Occupational Health, Safety & Disability Management, City of Toronto
- 2014–2015 – HR Health, Safety and Wellness Coordinator, Toronto Community Housing
- 2013–2014 – Health and Wellness Consultant – Business Development, Sun Life Financial
- 2011–2013 – Health and Safety Officer, CIBC
Other Activities
- Member, Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP®)
- Member, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA)
- Mentorship in OHS for emerging professionals and students
Awards
- Top Female Safety Leader | Top Women In Safety – Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine, 2025 (Publication Link)
- National Winner: Top 25 Under 40 Safety Professionals in Canada – OHS Canada, 2024 (Publication Link)