HR & Safety Specialist

About the Role

This hybrid role combines workplace safety leadership with employee support programs, benefits education, leave administration, and compliance management. You will support both Human Resources and Safety initiatives to foster a safe, compliant, and employee-focused work environment at Okuma America Corporation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefits, wellness programs, leave administration, and workplace accommodations.
• Support benefits enrollment, employee communications, and wellness initiatives in partnership with the HR team.
• Administer leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, workers' compensation, and return-to-work processes.
• Partner with managers and employees to ensure a positive and compliant employee experience.
• Develop, implement, and maintain safety programs, policies, procedures, and training initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Conduct workplace inspections, safety audits, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and incident investigations.
• Lead corrective action planning and monitor safety performance metrics and reporting.
• Deliver safety, wellness, and compliance-related training programs for employees and leadership.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on workplace safety practices, leave programs, and employee support resources.
• Support onboarding, compliance initiatives, and employee development programs.
• Partner with leadership, HR, and operational teams to identify and mitigate workplace risks.
• Manage workers' compensation claims and support transitional duty programs.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness activities, safety committee initiatives, and compliance efforts.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve employee programs, safety performance, and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field preferred.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in Human Resources, Safety, or a related role.
• Experience administering employee leave programs, workers' compensation, and workplace accommodations.
• Experience developing and supporting workplace safety programs and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Manufacturing, industrial, or technical work environment experience preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, OSHA, and employment-related compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices, risk assessment, and incident investigation.
• Excellent communication, employee relations, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze information, identify solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HRIS or learning management systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

About Okuma

At Okuma, innovation is part of our identity as one of the world's leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools. We invest in advanced technology, employee development, and strong customer relationships. Our team members enjoy a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and professional growth are encouraged. When you join Okuma, you become part of an organization that values excellence, teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to helping both employees and customers succeed.

Benefits

• Structured bonus opportunities
• Pension plan
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Wellness and gym reimbursement programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Parental leave
• Flexible scheduling options