What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safety Manager position at Cardinal?
Lead safety excellence at an OSHA VPP Star Certified equipment manufacturing site, driving a proactive culture and practical solutions that protect our people. This role partners closely with all team members to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and keep our programs best in class. Safety professionals with an engineering background are encouraged to apply, as technical insight supports smarter, safer work design.
Essential Functions:
Regulatory Compliance & Policy Administration
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to health, safety, and environmental protection, as well as internal company policies and procedures.
- Develop, update, and implement policies and procedures that support a healthy and safe work environment.
- Manage OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
- Provide guidance, support, and coaching to personnel to ensure understanding and compliance with safety regulations and expectations; must be approachable and collaborative.
- Lead investigations of workplace safety incidents and attend employee medical appointments as part of the incident response process.
Safety Program Development & Continuous Improvement
- Plan, develop, maintain, and coordinate a variety of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs designed to prevent or correct unsafe conditions and promote regulatory compliance.
- Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and initiatives and recommend improvements.
- Compile, analyze, and trend safety‑related data including incident reports, near misses, and corrective actions.
- Demonstrate leadership and serve as a champion for maintaining a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) safety site, fostering employee involvement and continuous improvement.
- Support the administration of the workers’ compensation program, including incident documentation, communication, and follow‑up.
Hazard Identification, Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Assist in identifying potential hazards and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
- Conduct or support inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
- Recommend safety improvements to prevent recurrence of hazards or incidents.
- Participate in engineering equipment design reviews, when applicable.
Training, Communication & Employee Engagement
- Develop, coordinate, and conduct training on safety procedures, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
- Attend, lead, and participate in safety meetings, including quarterly IG Division meetings; must be willing to travel and professionally represent the Spring Green AG location.
- Encourage a proactive safety culture through coaching, communication, and collaboration.
Safety Equipment, Supplies & Resource Management
- Confer with appropriate personnel to research, recommend, select, and purchase safety equipment, supplies, and training materials.
Operational Partnership & Site Understanding
- Learn and understand the manufacturing process to effectively implement and tailor safety programs.
- Collaborate with operations and department personnel to support safe work practices and safe job design.
Perform all job duties in a safe manner, including but not limited to the following:
- Comply with all applicable safety policies, standards, procedures, and training requirements related to the position.
- Take reasonable care for personal safety and the safety of others while performing job duties.
- Participate in required safety training, meetings, and related activities.
- Refrain from engaging in unsafe behaviors that could reasonably be expected to cause injury or damage.
- Recognize and appropriately manage personal limitations that may affect the safe performance of job duties, including communicating with a supervisor or Human Resources and seeking guidance or assistance when necessary.
- Identify and assess job‑related hazards prior to beginning work and take appropriate steps to perform work safely.
- Remain attentive to work conditions that may impact the ability to perform job duties safely.
- Use tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the task and in accordance with training and instructions.
- Maintain a clean, orderly, and reasonably hazard‑free work area.
- Perform job duties safely regardless of time pressures, workload demands, or production expectations.
This safety requirement is considered an essential function of all positions and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Ability to successfully complete required pre‑employment screenings, including a drug and/or alcohol test, consistent with applicable law.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health or a related discipline OR equivalent education and experience.
- Ability to adapt to changing work demands, priorities, and schedules as required by the position.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others in both written and verbal form.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and travel when required by the position.
- Ability to comply with all safety, quality, and conduct standards.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and handle multiple tasks.
- Ability to build effective working relationships and interact professionally with employees at all levels.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications:
- ASP certification (or ability to obtain within four years); CSP certification preferred.
- Knowledge of occupational health, safety, and environmental regulatory requirements.
- Experience researching and interpreting OSHA or environmental regulations and addressing non-compliance issues.
- Experience developing or delivering safety training.
- Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Experience managing multifaceted projects in a dynamic environment.