The Safety Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring a safe working environment by implementing safety protocols, conducting training sessions, and monitoring compliance with safety regulations. This position requires a strong understanding of occupational health standards and the ability to effectively communicate safety practices to employees at all levels. coordinates and ensures the implementation of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), conducts health and safety training, investigates injuries and their root causes and recommends corrective action(s), and effectively monitors, tracks, and processes activity related to workers’ compensation (WC) claims management. This role requires a strong presence at our plant operations.
Salary Range: $68,000 – $75,000
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain safety programs in accordance with OSHA regulations and company policies.
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Provide training and development for employees on safety practices, emergency procedures, and proper equipment usage.
- Prepare detailed reports on safety incidents, including root cause analysis and recommendations for improvement.
- Collaborate with management to investigate workplace accidents and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences.
- Stay informed about changes in workers' compensation laws, EPA regulations, and industry best practices related to occupational health.
- Assist in the fabrication of safety equipment or modifications as needed to enhance workplace safety.
- Maintain accurate records of training sessions, incidents, and compliance efforts.
- Coordination and administration of company safety management system (SMS) to include, but not limited to, the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Emergency Action Plan & Evacuation Procedures, Hazard Communication, Tractor Safety, Forklift Safety, 1st Aid/CPR, and Incident & Injury Response and Procedures.
- Develop, conduct, and facilitate health and safety trainings. Travel to and attend various site location safety trainings and tailgate meetings to support operations and promote health and safety awareness.
- Conduct on-boarding safety orientations and develop/prepare respective materials
- Ensure health and safety trainings are properly documented and recorded
- Perform periodic site inspections and evaluations, annual safety compliance audits, and assist with governmental inspections and third-party audits to include customer social responsibility audits.
- Investigate injuries and incidents, identify root causes, determine corrective and/or preventative action and ensure all described actions are completed
- Conduct comprehensive post-injury investigations and due diligence for workers’ compensation (WC) claims.
- Travel to Yuma, AZ facility as needed
Job Requirements and Qualifications:
- Minimum AA Degree or equivalent in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is highly preferred.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in safety and employee relations, preferably in a food processing environment.
- Strong knowledge of current OSHA regulations, IIPP and employment labor law compliance requirements.
- Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish is required. This includes reading, writing legibly and communicating clearly and concisely.
- Must be able to communicate issues in a constructive manner and handle difficult and/or confidential situations in a professional and confidential manner.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications is required
- Familiarity with occupational health principles and practices is essential.
- Experience in report writing and documentation related to safety audits and incident investigations.
- Ability to work with and manage a high level of detailed and confidential information; ability to identify and resolve complex problems.
- Excellent presentation, analytical, and decision-making skills; ability to learn new duties with minimal repetition; resourceful, well organized, and flexible.
- Self-motivated and ability to work with limited supervision; must be able to work both independently and as part of a team; able to work in a dynamic environment and capable of managing multiple high visibility projects simultaneously.
- Valid class “C” California Driver’s license is required and must be insurable.
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.