Safety Specialist

About the role

The Safety Specialist supports the company's safety and environmental objectives by promoting a safe and compliant work environment throughout manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Environment Health & Safety Manager, this position serves as a safety subject matter resource and provides guidance, training, and support related to workplace safety, occupational injury reporting, incident investigations, regulatory compliance, and hazard prevention.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Safety Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide guidance and support regarding workplace safety, safety training, occupational injury reporting and tracking, and incident investigations.
• Promote a safe work environment by reinforcing safe work practices, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with established safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct and support workplace incident and accident investigations, evaluate contributing factors and root causes, and partner with department leadership to develop effective corrective actions and countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
• Facilitate the incident investigation process and ensure appropriate documentation, reporting, follow-up, and corrective actions are completed.
• Conduct new hire, annual, and other required safety training and maintain accurate training records.
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and other scheduled workplace safety and environmental audits to evaluate departmental compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform safety inspections and support compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and other applicable safety requirements.
• Review existing safety policies, procedures, and practices and recommend revisions based on changes to federal, state, and local regulations or identified operational needs.
• Partner proactively with department leadership to identify and eliminate existing or potential safety and environmental hazards.
• Support compliance with applicable regulatory agencies and requirements, including OSHA, SAWS, air quality requirements, and other applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Participate in and, when appropriate, lead safety-related continuous improvement and process improvement activities.
• Track and maintain safety-related records, reports, documentation, and compliance information as required.
• Maintain the confidentiality of personal, medical, injury, and other sensitive employee information and records.
• Communicate safety-related information, findings, risks, and recommendations effectively with Team Members, department leadership, management, and executive staff.
• Support the development and implementation of corrective and preventive measures designed to improve workplace safety performance.

Requirements

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to workplace safety, occupational health, environmental compliance, or responsibilities comparable to those of this position.
• Working knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, including 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards and applicable compliance reporting requirements.
• Ability to conduct workplace safety inspections, audits, incident investigations, and hazard assessments.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and recommend appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with Team Members, manufacturing leadership, management, and executive staff.
• Ability to communicate safety requirements and expectations clearly and effectively to employees at various levels of the organization.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling personal, injury-related, medical, or other sensitive information.
• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and effective time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond appropriately to changing operational and safety needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Safety and Health Management, Environmental Studies, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field preferred.

OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour training preferred.

Knowledge of HAZMAT handling processes preferred.

Skills

• Six (6) months or more of experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience working in an automotive manufacturing environment preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills preferred.
• Experience conducting workplace safety training preferred.
• Experience participating in or leading safety-related continuous improvement activities preferred.