Safety/Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the role

The Safety & Continuous Improvement (S & CI) Specialist is responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant, and continuously improving work environment. The primary responsibility is Health and Safety, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and promoting a proactive safety culture. The secondary responsibility is supporting and executing Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Ensure company safety programs are fully implemented and compliant with all local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and Idaho Milk Products KPIs.
• Advise plant staff of regulatory changes, providing sufficient advance notice to ensure compliance by the effective date.
• Promote and enforce safety policies, procedures, and practices to protect plant personnel; complete all required training programs.
• Monitor lost-time injuries/illnesses and manage Workers’ Compensation claims.
• Conduct root cause analysis for all injury/illness and non-injury incident investigation reports.
• Drive safety and health awareness through internal communication channels, including boards, newsletters, and training programs.
• Provide technical support to plant personnel to ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations.
• Audit plant practices and records to verify compliance with company programs and federal/state safety regulations.
• Identify and eliminate hazardous conditions caused by human error, equipment, or machine operations that could lead to injury or property damage.
• Conduct and coordinate weekly and monthly safety inspections as required.
• Support plant personnel in selecting appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with the Return-to-Work Program.
• Identify safety training needs and develop, coordinate, and deliver training programs, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain the company safety library (e.g., videos, regulations, reference manuals).
• Ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Stay current on federal, state, and local OSHA and NFPA legislation.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies and critical issues.
• Transport employees to medical appointments as needed.
• Support plant leadership in driving Continuous Improvement through structured problem solving and data-based decision making.
• Apply root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Why, rapid changeover, 5S) to safety, quality, and operational issues.
• Aid in the deployment and sustainment of Continuous Improvement tools and systems (such as standard work, visual management, and daily management routines).
• Complete other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.
• Preferred: Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and OSHA 10 hour.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety or related field.
• Experience Required: New graduate with a degree or 3 years of experience in Safety, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial setting; consumer products, food or beverage industry.
• Preferred: Prior experience in the development and delivery of safety training courses.
• Requires experience conducting inspections/audits of safety policies and programs for regulatory compliance as well as investigating and reporting accidents/incidents.
• Required: Valid state driver’s license.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply complex local, state, and federal regulations from governing agencies such as OSHA, and NFPA; knowledge of federal, state, OSHA regulations, safety equipment and proper handling of chemicals; good written and verbal communication skills; effective prioritizing, organizing, and time management skills; demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others; demonstrated ability to be flexible, execute plans, strategies and achieve desired results; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to achieve defined goals on time; experience solving problems, analyzing information, highlighting relevant information and suggesting appropriate actions; ability to anticipate and solve problems, act decisively and persist in the face of obstacles; demonstrated success managing large projects and initiatives, documenting procedures and building and executing safety programs.

Physical Requirements

• Environmental exposure to warehouses stored at ambient (60-70° F), refrigerated (35° F), and frozen (minus 20° F) temperatures.
• Subject to up to at least 92db’s.
• Lifting: up to 20 lbs. occasionally.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, on a regular basis.
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist occasionally.
• Excessive ascending and/or descending of ladders and stairs using feet and legs and/or hands and arms on a regular basis.
• Body agility is emphasized.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances on a continuous basis.
• Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers on a continuous basis.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending leg and spine continuously.
• Crouching: Regularly bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine continuously.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Includes activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Lifting: Able to lift up to 100lbs occasionally, up to 50lbs regularly.

Benefits

We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.