What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Safety Director position at Meruelo Group?
Title: Sr Safety Director
Reports to: Division Manager
Herman Weissker Power, Inc. (HW Power), a proud subsidiary of Meruelo Enterprises, is California’s go-to electrical utility contractor powering the state’s most critical infrastructure with precision and passion. Since 2011, from our headquarters in Norwalk, we’ve been leading the charge in overhead and underground electrical systems, including expert vault installations, conduit placement, and high-voltage power line construction.
But we don’t stop there. Our team also brings cutting-edge planning, design, and traffic control services to the table making even the most complex utility projects run smoothly. Driven by an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and high performance, HW Power is the trusted partner for public and private sector clients who demand reliable, future-ready energy solutions.
About the Role:
The Safety Director will be responsible for managing, directing and supervising the activities of the safety department in the development, implementation and administration of safety compliance & improvement efforts. This Includes risk assessment, worker qualification programs, safety practices, policies and procedures, industrial hygiene, liability and property exposure issues. Ensures Company compliance with all state, federal, and local regulatory requirements including Cal OSHA/OSHA.
Key Responsibilities:
² Participate in department recruiting, staff training, work assignments and managing the effectiveness / productivity of the safety department.
² Participates in mentoring and counseling department staff regarding performance.
² Evaluates the Company's potential risk /loss factors and related costs. Makes recommendations to minimize potential risks and negative financial impacts. Implements approved policies, procedures and other changes accordingly.
² Inspects and reviews Company's operations and facilities for safety / risk management compliance and implement appropriate corrective action.
² Develop and implement program policies and procedures that ensure compliance of program operations to CalOSHA & Federal OSHA standards/regulations.
² Manages the Operator Qualifier program to ensure employees are in compliance with customer requirements. Ensures employee training, paperwork processing and database updates are timely competed and kept current.
² Work with Senior Management to discuss and resolve safety and liability concerns.
² Develop/implement standardized employee safety orientation & training programs.
² Work with company and/or external consultants, attorneys, insurance representatives and/or other agencies to review and investigate general liability and/or claims filed against the Company.
² Review documentation to insure all required records and reports are complete, accurate and submitted per established procedures, and corrective action taken if required.
² Work closely with corporate general counsel on legal issues, contracts and judicial pronouncement relative to Risk Management.
² Accompany all safety, health and insurance inspectors on walk through tours.
² Coordinate and assist in preparing OSHA appeals for safety violation citations.
² Monitor the performance of safety and risk management programs and incidents. Prepare reports and statistical data for review by Senior Management.
² Prepares the department budget forecasts for review and approval.
² Monitors expenses in accordance with approved safety budget.
² Assumes additional responsibilities or assignments as required by President
Qualifications:
² BS/BA in Safety, Health or related science or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge including eight to ten years field/safety experience in electrical distribution and/or transmission.
² Minimum of five years’ experience developing and administering safety programs. CSP or CUSA Safety certification preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of safety and health regulations as they pertain to the electric construction industry.
² Experience in effectively managing safety / risk management programs and personnel.
² Experience in developing and implementing safety and risk management programs which comply with all federal, state and local laws.
² Experience in evaluating company risk factors and related costs.
² Experience in managing Operator Qualifier programs and databases.
² Experience in identifying hazardous situations and proactively implement corrective measures in electric distribution/transmission industries.
² Extensive knowledge and experience in compliance with safety regulations, regulatory requirement and industry standards for construction and general industry; knowledge of EPA, DOT and NEPA standards.
² Able to maintain confidentiality.
² Possess or ability to obtain a valid class C California driver's license
² Excellent organizational, leadership, communication, problem solving and analytical skills required.
At Meruelo, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and better business outcomes. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.