Environmental Health Safety Specialist

About the Role

Under general supervision of a EHS Management representative, the Product of this position is responsible for the day-to-day activities supporting the environmental, health and safety (EH&S) programs for the assigned location. The focus of this role is to carry out the Quidel Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) as part of the overall loss prevention strategy to minimize the potential for workplace injuries, accidents, and safety and environmental non-compliances. This role engages with all levels of the organization to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supports management in the communication, awareness, and enforcement of the safety protocols defined in the Corporate and site-specific IIPP documents.
• Be a champion for safety and a competent advisor for interpreting OSHA, EPA, internal policies, and programs related to safety and environmental compliance.
• Supports the site as it relates to site safety reporting, metrics, Gemba walks, and elevating safety to the forefront at all levels of the organization.
• Participates in the investigation of work-related incidents, injuries, near misses, and environmental non-compliances, and the identification of effective corrective actions.
• Conducts routine EH&S inspections for compliance with the IIPP and external regulatory authorities (e.g., fire, air, hazardous waste, biological waste, air, wastewater, etc.).
• Works with employees to evaluate potentially hazardous job assignments to develop Job Safety Protocols, policies, and training to prevent or reduce risk for injury.
• Responsible for routine oversight of hazardous waste and biowaste lab services including outside services, supplies, pickups, and related regulatory paperwork and inspections.
• Hosts Safety Committee meetings and leads associated projects.
• Coordinates with outside service providers to maintain first aid kit supplies, monthly emergency equipment inspections (e.g., fire extinguishers, eyewashes, etc.), and biohazardous and hazardous waste management support, where applicable.
• Provides administrative support for the ordering of supplies, filing of EHS records, completion of annual permit and license deliverables, tracking training records, medical surveillance, compliance calendar management, workers compensation support, pandemic reporting, etc.
• Creates, updates, and delivers site safety training.
• Assists with the collection and data input of utility usage (e.g., water, electric, gas), waste generation rates for hazardous, biohazardous, clean, and recycled waste, chemical inventories, etc. Supports the compilation of data into reports to review metrics, trends, and where required reporting to external regulatory agencies.
• Participates as a member of the Emergency Response Team for medical, chemical, biological, and physical crisis incidents, including pandemic response support (e.g., disinfection protocols).
• Recommends disciplinary actions for negligent behaviors or actions related to safety and environmental non-compliance. Has full authority to shut down activities for imminently hazardous situations or conditions.
• Carries out duties in compliance with established business policies.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Environmental Health, Chemistry, Biology, or equivalent required
• Experience in environmental health and safety field, preferably in medical, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry is preferred
• Two to four years of related experience required

Required Skills

• Familiar with applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to EH&S matters.
• Working knowledge with Microsoft Office suite programs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Able to read, comprehend, evaluate, and communicate using hard-copy and digital media.
• First Aid/AED & CPR, Hazardous Waste management credentials.
• Demonstrates commitment to the development, implementation and effectiveness of Quidel Quality Management System per ISO, FDA, and other quality and regulatory agencies.
• Understands and is aware of the potential quality consequences which may occur from the improper performance of their specific job.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.