Safety Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the working environment of production employees to ensure work is conducted in a safe manner following all safety policies while performing job duties.
• Maintains open communication with production manager and production supervisors regarding safety concerns.
• Ensure all personnel are properly trained in both OSHA and Company required safety programs
• Assists line and staff management to understand OSHA regulations and standards, including guidance on handling OSHA compliance, inspections, and citation follow-up.
• Conduct regular plant safety audits, ensure safe practices are followed (PPE, equipment usage, guards in place, hazard avoidance), document all deviations and follow-up to ensure all required corrective actions are completed in a timely manner
• Ensures that appropriate maintenance and stewardship of plant infrastructure, facility, grounds, tools and machinery especially as regards to safety mitigation.
• Assist line management by spending appropriate time on production floor to observe workforce for safe behaviors and immediately correct any deficiencies.
• Investigate all injuries in conjunction with line and staff personnel, identify root cause(s) to prevent recurrence, and notify plant management and corporate safety team of pertinent details.
• Oversees the first responder team for first aid and/or CPR.
• Timely report all work-related injuries or illnesses to Company's worker's compensation insurance administrator and provide follow-up information as necessary
• Work closely with local medical provider(s) to coordinate emergency services and follow-up care for injured or ill employees
• Coordinate plant Safety Data Sheets and ensure program details are current
• Ensure plant follows all OSHA required injury and illness reporting procedures and same is current and accurate
• Review plant accident statistics and make recommendations for performance improvement
• Establishes target areas and long-range accident prevention and cost-control objectives
• Keeps apprised of developments in federal and state safety laws and regulations likely to affect the plant
• Acts as plant liaison in dealing with government agencies on safety and health matters affecting the plant
• Maintains knowledge of all OSHA and other safety regulations and requirements. Inspects the plant for safety concerns. Ensures all equipment operators have the appropriate level of instruction, guidance, safety signage, safety controls, and maintenance instructions.
• Maintains knowledge of all regulatory and licensing requirements in order to operate the plant facility.
• Coordinates with corporate and external regulators regarding any inquiries, audits, assessments, filings and other matters.
• Performs various other job duties as assigned and needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in safety engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field required.
• Minimum five years' professional safety experience in manufacturing industry or construction required.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) status preferred.
• This can be a physically demanding job that can require the ability to lift 40+ pounds, to grip, work over head, pull at chest height, bend, stand, walk, kneel, crawl, push, pull, reach, climb and carry various materials and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with external regulators and support multiple teams in order to consistently meet safety and production goals is required.
• Knowledge and experience with OSHA regulations and safety protocols required.
• Demonstrated ability to support and encourage staff, demonstrate empathy for others, to be trained, and take direction is required.
• Experienced with Microsoft Office programs - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and persuasive skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Flexible to work in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Not afraid to get dirty and handle tools/equipment daily.