Environmental Health Safety Specialist

Position Summary

The Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and improving all environmental, health, and safety initiatives within the facility. This role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA, etc.) while protecting employees, the environment, and company assets. The EHS Coordinator manages safety processes, provides training, leads incident investigations, and drives continuous improvement in safety culture across all operations.

Job Responsibilities

Policy & Program Development

• Evaluate, update, and implement EHS policies and procedures in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and company standards.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by developing and executing initiatives that enhance workplace safety and environmental stewardship.
• Support management in building and maintaining a strong safety culture across the organization.

Training & Awareness

• Plan, schedule, and conduct safety orientation training for all new employees.
• Identify and develop additional training programs to raise employee awareness and ensure safe work practices.
• Coordinate annual refresher training (e.g., lockout/tagout, chemical handling, PPE use, first aid, CPR).
• Deliver clear and engaging training sessions that empower employees and supervisors to work safely.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain all required EHS logs and documentation, including OSHA logs, internal TIR (injury reports), and audit records.
• Ensure compliance with hazardous waste regulations: storage, labeling, handling, and disposal.
• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all new materials and supplies to assess potential hazards.
• Stay current on changes in environmental and safety regulations, and update company policies accordingly.

Safety Monitoring & Inspections

• Conduct daily, weekly, monthly, and annual safety inspections and audits of facilities and equipment.
• Perform regular unannounced safety walk-throughs, engaging with employees to understand concerns and reinforce safe practices.
• Identify hazards and work with management to implement corrective actions.

Incident Management & Emergency Response

• Lead workplace incident investigations: respond, report, determine root cause, and implement corrective/preventive measures.
• Document findings and communicate results to management, ensuring follow-through on recurrence prevention.
• Coordinate emergency response plans and drills, and support first aid/CPR training.
• Serve as a resource during actual emergencies, providing first aid guidance as needed.

Committee & Communication

• Coordinate and facilitate Health & Safety Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda creation, and leading discussions.
• Communicate safety issues, concerns, and initiatives to senior management to drive continuous improvement.
• Recognize and reward employee contributions that improve safety and health performance.

Technical Writing & Documentation

• Develop and maintain Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), SOPs, and safety-related documentation in collaboration with Quality and Operations.
• Provide technical writing support for compliance reports, safety programs, and audit responses.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or related field preferred.
• Associate’s degree with significant EHS experience considered.
• Professional certifications such as OSHA 30, ASP, CSP, or CHMM are a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience in EHS coordination or safety management, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience conducting safety audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Proven track record of training employees and influencing a positive safety culture.
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other applicable safety/environmental regulations.
• Familiarity with chemical handling, hazardous waste management, and industrial hygiene principles.
• Strong understanding of GMP and regulatory standards in a manufacturing environment (cosmetics industry experience preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with EHS management systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• Ability to lead meetings, facilitate training, and engage employees at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Comfortable working in manufacturing environments, including around machinery, chemicals, and varying weather conditions.