Safety Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Safety Specialist to design, implement, and sustain a robust EHS management system aligned with OSHA, MSHA, and Michigan state regulations, as well as ISO 45001 standards. The ideal candidate will lead hazard identification, risk assessment, incident investigation, and safety training initiatives, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate safety into daily operations. This role is critical to protecting our workforce, maintaining regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement in safety performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. EHS Program Development & Compliance

- Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive EHS management system, including policies, procedures, and emergency response plans (fire, chemical spill, first aid).
- Conduct regular compliance audits to ensure adherence to OSHA 29 CFR, ANSI, NFPA, and other relevant standards; prepare and submit required reports (e.g., OSHA 300 Log, Injury & Illness Reports).
- Stay current on evolving safety regulations and industry best practices, recommending updates to programs to maintain full compliance.

2. Hazard Identification & Risk Management

- Perform systematic workplace hazard assessments (e.g., JSA – Job Safety Analysis, LOPA – Layer of Protection Analysis) for machinery, equipment, and processes; develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
- Conduct routine safety inspections of production floors, warehouses, and high-risk areas (e.g., confined spaces, fall protection, energized electrical work); track and resolve hazards via corrective action plans.
- Analyze incident data (accidents, near-misses) to identify root causes; lead cross-functional investigations and implement preventive measures to reduce recurrence.

3. Safety Training & Culture Building

- Develop and deliver targeted safety training programs for all employee levels, including new hire orientation, frontline workers, and supervisors; cover topics such as PPE usage, machine guarding, chemical safety, and emergency procedures.
- Facilitate safety committees, toolbox talks, and awareness campaigns to cultivate a proactive safety culture and engage employees in safety initiatives.
- Train managers on safety leadership and accountability, ensuring alignment with organizational safety goals.

4. Incident Response & Documentation

- Lead emergency response efforts during incidents or accidents; coordinate with first aid providers, local authorities, and insurance carriers to ensure timely and effective resolution.
- Maintain accurate and confidential EHS records, including incident reports, inspection logs, training records, and compliance documentation.
- Prepare monthly/quarterly safety performance reports for senior leadership, highlighting key metrics (e.g., TRIR, DART, hazard closure rate) and improvement opportunities.

5. Continuous Improvement

- Drive continuous improvement in EHS performance through data analysis, benchmarking, and the integration of safety into operational processes (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and logistics teams to design safety into new equipment, processes, and facility layouts; conduct pre-start safety reviews for new projects.
- Evaluate and recommend safety equipment upgrades (e.g., machine guards, ventilation systems) to enhance workplace safety and reduce risks.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of progressive experience in EHS/safety management, preferably in a manufacturing, logistics environment .
- OSHA 30-hour certification (or equivalent); CSP (Certified Safety Professional), CHST (Construction Health Safety Technician), or other EHS professional certifications highly desirable.
- Thorough working knowledge of OSHA regulations, MSHA standards, and ISO 45001; experience with EHS software (e.g., ComplySafe, VelocityEHS) for incident tracking and compliance management.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis skills; ability to interpret data and make data-driven recommendations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to train and engage diverse audiences, including frontline workers and senior leadership.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and EHS reporting tools; ability to create clear, actionable safety documentation.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Qualifications

- Professional certification in EHS (CSP, CIH, ASP, or NEBOSH).
- Experience in manufacturing industry, specifically in safety program management for production or warehouse operations.
- Experience leading incident investigations and developing corrective action plans that result in measurable safety improvements.
- Knowledge of ergonomic principles and experience implementing ergonomic improvement programs to reduce workplace injuries.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person