Safety Specialist

Combining a full-service network of professionals from field to fork, Idahoan is a leading manufacturer of value-added products. Its potato processing plants and nationally recognized retail, foodservice and warehouse club brands of products along with its close relationship with its growers, allow Idahoan Foods to deliver superior quality and value to its customers.

This position is responsible for the execution of core Safety Initiatives for the ultimate purpose of enhancing employee engagement, productivity, and safety. This position will provide the technical and administrative support to ensure compliance of internal and external policies, procedures, and regulations as they relate to Safety. This role has a strong business partnership with the Plant Manager and Human Resources Manager at the location.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure complete and accurate records in relation to employee concerns, safety, and health.
• Overseeing the Workers Compensation Program for case management, recordkeeping, and the return-to-work process.
• Coordinate and maintain employee programs geared to foster employee engagement, safety, and health.
• Promote and implement company related policies and programs to ensure employees are engaged and committed to a safe working environment.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to health and safety, including the administration and completion of OSHA required safety training for site's employees.
• Provide and monitor employees access to job-related personal protective equipment and other safety related supplies.
• Perform regulatory inspections and/or investigations to identify existing or potential safety and health hazards and recommend corrective or preventative measures. Ensures that incident reports and related corrective actions are of high quality and followed through with.
• Provide administrative and point-of-contact support for internal programs that support safety including security/access card administration, shoe, and eyeglass programs, and LOTO locks and keys.
• Promotes an accident-free environment by being proactive in preventing incidents by auditing and assisting in development and implementing safe practices.
• Administer and ensure successful completion of employee compliance, safety and health training as required by regulatory agencies and Company policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy according to HIPPA, Company and any other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develops effective relationships with business partners and supports their needs in a manner consistent with overall Company and functional objectives.
• Strong understanding of business processes and practices must drive safety practices and processes aimed at strengthening business operations and results.
• Working with Plant Manager and EHS Manager, schedule work accordingly to build relationships and trust with all shifts at the plant.
• Assist with tasks and projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Required Skills

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college/university required or 3 to 5 years of related safety experience, preferably within a manufacturing setting. Professional OSHA Certification is a plus. Understanding of OSHA regulations. Knowledge of basic HR governance (e.g. ADA, FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, etc.).

Language Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills. Bi-lingual - Spanish Speaking, writing and translation skills a tremendous asset but not required.

Reasoning Ability: Demonstrates the self-confidence and maturity to make decisions and solve problems with minimal direction. Organized and able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to creatively apply experience, common sense, and a strategic business perspective to a variety of situations, processes, and people.

Interpersonal Skills: Team player, flexible and accepts changing assignments and accountabilities.

Computer Skills: Proficient in using Microsoft applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Work Environment

The position is located in a manufacturing office environment with moderate noise levels and requires sitting at a desk for extended periods and walking from point to point. The individual must be capable of carrying up to 50 lbs while traveling. This position requires minimal travel, depending on the needs of the business. Must have a flexible work availability to respond to emergencies and build relationships on all shifts.

Alignment with Core Values of the Company

Respect & Value Our People

Stay in Front of Change While Reducing Costs

Delight Our Customers

Food Quality & Safety