Safety & Training Specialist
Safety & Training Specialist
The Safety & Training Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Crew Members working within our Distribution Center. You will assist the EH&S Manager with overseeing the implementation and enforcement of safety protocols and procedures to minimize workplace hazards and promote a culture of safety awareness. Your primary objective is to maintain compliance with all relevant OSHA & SCDHEC regulations and standards while continuously striving to improve safety performance.
Primary Responsibilities
Aid in the design, implementation, and sustainment of warehouse safety policies and procedures in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations as well as industry best practices.
Facilitate or conduct regular safety training sessions for all Crew Members, covering topics such as proper lifting techniques, hazardous material handling, emergency procedures, and equipment operation safety.
Perform routine inspections of the Distribution Center premises to identify potential hazards, unsafe practices, and areas for improvement. Document findings and work with relevant stakeholders to address issues promptly.
Assist with or lead investigations into workplace accidents, injuries, or near misses. Analyze root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Maintain accurate records of all incidents and their resolutions.
Manage the maintenance and distribution of approved personal protective equipment (PPE), safety signage, and other necessary safety gear. Ensure that all equipment meets regulatory standards and is readily available to employees.
Maintain emergency response plans for various scenarios, including fires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies. Assist with the coordination of drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of these plans and provide training as needed.
Ensure achievement of DOT HazMat and RCRA certifications within the first 90 days of employment. Maintain certifications annually to remain compliant.
Communicate safety-related information to all levels of the organization through meetings, memos, and other channels. Prepare regular reports on safety performance, including metrics such as incident rates, near miss reporting, and corrective action status.
Education
High School diploma required.
Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience in related field preferred.
Previous experience in a similar role within a distribution center or warehouse environment preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other relevant software applications.
Skills
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively train and engage employees at all levels.
An analytical mindset with the ability to identify trends, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions.
Ability to assist with investigations, recommend corrective measures, and drive continuous improvement.
Physical Description
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Crew Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the Crew Member regularly works near moving equipment.
This position is routinely exposed to hot and cold temperatures during Summer and Winter months in the Distribution Center.
Essential Physical Tasks:
Stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle or feel.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or team lift items greater than 50 pounds.
Position is Routine
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or team lift items greater than 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Other Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old.
Willing to submit to a criminal background check.
Willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen.
West Marine Benefits
To review many of the benefits West Marine offers, along with starting pay ranges for select states, please visit our benefits page at www.embbenefits.com/wm-home/. Join us at West Marine and help us provide the best boating experience for our customers!