Safety Manager Manufacturing Operations, Workers Compensation & Risk Management

Position Summary:

• Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining company-wide health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs.

• Ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, and ISO standards while promoting a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement.

• Partners with all departments to reduce risks, train employees, and prevent incidents.

• Supports a multi-shift manufacturing operation and must be available for off-shift incidents when needed (standard schedule: Monday Friday).

Ideal Candidate:

• Proven ability to drive safety culture transformation and reduce workplace incidents.

• Strong communicator who effectively engages employees and leadership teams.

• Data-driven and proactive in identifying and resolving risks.

• Team-oriented and collaborative across functions.

• Passionate advocate for workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and employee well-being.

• Workers' compensation case management experience.

• EHS management experience in manufacturing industry operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain safety and environmental policies, procedures, and compliance programs.

• Conduct routine safety inspections, risk assessments, and audits to identify and correct hazards.

• Investigate incidents, near misses, and accidents, documenting findings and implementing corrective actions.

• Facilitate safety committee meetings and lead cross-functional initiatives that strengthen safety culture.

• Develop and deliver employee training on OSHA compliance, emergency response, and environmental regulations.

• Track and report safety metrics, audit results, and compliance documentation accurately and on time.

• Monitor safety and environmental performance indicators, analyzing trends to recommend improvements.

• Plan and coordinate emergency drills and oversee emergency preparedness programs.

• Communicate with regulatory agencies to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

• Manage workers' compensation claims and coordinate return-to-work efforts with HR.

• Lead internal audits for ISO 45001 (Occupational Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).

• Partner with operations leadership to proactively address safety hazards and improve work conditions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Environmental Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• 5 10 years of experience managing health, safety, and environmental compliance in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

• Certifications or training in ISO 45001 and/or ISO 14001 preferred.

• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and related safety regulations.

• Proven ability to develop and lead effective safety programs.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of interpreting data to drive continuous improvement.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and safety management software tools.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and influence across organizational levels.

• Expert regulatory and compliance knowledge (OSHA, EPA, ISO standards).

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.

• Strong training, documentation, and reporting skills.

• Continuous improvement and preventive risk management mindset.

• Calm, effective decision-making during emergencies.

Working Environment:

• Works in both office and plant settings, regularly engaging on the production floor.

• Exposure to machinery, noise, and temperature variations as part of daily activities.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required as appropriate.

Performance Metrics:

• Reduction in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Lost-Time Injury Rate (LTIR).

• Completion and timeliness of safety audits and corrective actions.

• Employee safety training participation and completion rates.

• Employee engagement in safety initiatives and culture improvement.

• Compliance and accuracy of environmental reporting.