Director - Safety

About the role

Position Summary: This position is responsible for leading, developing, and implementing occupational safety and health programs to ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal agencies, with emphasis on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to provide safe and healthy working conditions free of hazards across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead daily operations of safety, health, and workers' compensation programs to prevent and manage workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents
• Plan, create, review, and implement safety policies, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Job Hazard Analyses in compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies including OSHA, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
• Lead job site safety audits, workplace inspections, and work observations to identify potential hazards, recommend corrective or preventative action, and ensure implementation of recommendations
• Oversee safety training programs and monthly training topic schedules for managers and employees to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and promote awareness of potential hazards
• Direct incident investigations and root-cause analyses to identify hazards requiring retraining or corrective action, and prepare materials and evidence for hearings, lawsuits, or outside agency investigations
• Oversee workers' compensation program administration in collaboration with third-party administrators, preferred medical providers, and legal counsel to ensure accurate claims handling and support employee recovery and return to work
• Coordinate drug testing and results for random, post-injury, DOT, and reasonable suspicion testing in accordance with policy requirements
• Analyze safety performance data and metrics to identify trends and provide strategic safety leadership and guidance to executives and department leaders
• Manage department safety and workers' compensation budgets and resources
• Assist with emergency preparedness and response planning to ensure readiness during weather events, pandemics, civil unrest, and other emergencies
• Serve as chairperson of the Safety Review Committee to conduct hearings and provide recommendations for improvements related to workplace injuries and accidents
• Perform additional duties as assigned
• Employees of the City may be directed to train on emergency operations procedures for their respective department and position and may be required to execute these duties fully during times of emergency. This may or may not include assignment to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or other emergency duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 7-9 years of related and/or supervisory experience
• 3-5 years of managerial experience
• Experience in occupational safety and health program management
• Valid driver's license
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• OSHA 30-Hour certification
• OSHA Construction and/or General Industry Trainer preferred
• First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor preferred
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) preferred
• National Safety Council Advanced Safety Certification preferred

Skills

• Frequently moves about facilities and outdoor work sites
• Frequently observes and assesses safety conditions
• Frequently exchanges detailed information
• Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment
• Occasionally lifts or moves items up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally climbs ladders or stairs to access equipment or facilities
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions
• Work Environment: This position operates in both office and field environments, requiring regular visits to various facilities and work sites. Exposure to industrial, construction, or manufacturing environments with potential safety hazards is expected. Work involves advising others on complex matters in the area of expertise. Some travel to various locations may be required on a periodic basis.
• Supervisory Responsibility: This position oversees the work of experienced professionals and subordinate managers, while regularly advising teams on moderately complex matters.