Safety & Environmental Coordinator

Location: Newport, TN

Pay: $32.33 per hour | Shift: 1st shift (candidates must be willing to work overtime and visit with and train alternative shifts as needed)

About the role

From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries.

The Safety & Environmental Coordinator is directly responsible for the implementation and advancement of the overall safety, training, and environmental health and safety programs in the Newport Industrial Complex. This position will offer opportunities for development and the ability to impact the EHS, Training, and SPS department at Sonoco and in the Newport Industrial Complex. The ideal candidate has experience and passion for safety and will actively practice and lead Sonoco’s strong safety initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for programs and techniques to enhance safety awareness and maintain employee motivation regarding safety.
• Maintains familiarity with current state and federal environmental compliance and OSHA regulations applicable to the department.
• Maintains necessary documentation on safety related items involving historical data, training of employees and other safety related items.
• Serve as SPS Safety Pillar Leader and member of the SPS plant steering team.
• Presentation of project reports to Division level management.
• Develop and conduct weekly & monthly safety meetings.
• Conduct safety-related training with current and new employees & maintain safety records.
• Maintain Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) programs and lead current safety team efforts.
• Assist with the investigation and reporting of close calls, first aids, and TIR’S.
• Maintain floor presence to assist with identifying and resolving safety related issues.
• Assist, if needed, with safety audits at other Sonoco plants.
• Responsible for inventory of necessary safety equipment and supplies.
• Must obtain and maintain basic EMT certifications (CPR, AED, etc.).
• Responsible for maintaining plant First Responders Team and ensuring all certifications are current.
• Responsible for the safety orientation of new employees.
• Assists with the development and review of all department safety rules and takes the leadership role in the development of JSA’s, and HECP’s.
• Owner of Safety Management Tracking System (Intelex) for the facility.
• Tracks all hazards, near misses, observations, and incidents through Intelex.
• Owns and maintains process to follow up and close out all hazard, near miss, observation, and incident action items.
• Leads R3 (Residual Risk Reduction) process and drives R3 completion based on hazard identification.
• Leads a weekly Safety Hour Meeting in the facility.
• Drives Safety Hour Action Items to completion and drives hazard identification from the floor level.
• Leads reward program for hazard/near miss/observation identification and safety attendance.
• Creates, manages, and drives safety audits throughout the facility. Tracks audit scores and action item follow ups.
• Complete daily, weekly, monthly wastewater SOPs for environmental compliance.

This position is in our Newport, TN servicing paper mill and converting business units.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a safety coordinator or similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations and standards (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
• Required to maintain OSHA 30 certification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify potential hazards.
• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective actions.
• Experience in conducting safety training and education programs.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) are preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services.
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family.
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.