Safety Specialist

The Safety Specialist plays a critical role in promoting a strong, proactive safety culture and ensuring the health and well-being of coworkers and contractors across assigned operations. Reporting to the Director of Safety, this role partners closely with operational leadership and field teams to support compliance with company policies and all applicable MSHA, OSHA, DOT and regulatory requirements.

The Safety Specialist provides guidance, leadership and technical support to reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, motor vehicle incidents, and property damage losses. This position assists in the planning, development, and implementation of safety programs while supporting the company’s overall people strategy.

Essential Functions 
Proactive Safety Leadership
•    Champion human performance focused safety practices aligned with MSHA, OSHA and DOT standards.
•    Create and sustain a culture where hazard, near misses, and unsafe conditions are reported and addressed without fear of retaliation.
•    Serve as a visible safety leader within designated market area(s).
Coworker Engagement & Collaboration
•    Lead and actively participate in team-based safety meetings, training sessions, and engagement initiatives.
•    Drive cross-functional collaboration to address safety concerns and implement improvements.
•    Engage teams in safety planning, hazard identification and goal setting.
•    Recognize and support safety achievements and positive safety behaviors.
•    Serve as an active member in Site Safety Teams, committees and company safety initiatives.
Safety Programs & Compliance
•    Ensure compliance with all company safety policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
•    Conduct, and develop others to perform, regular audits, inspections and observations to identify hazards and improvement opportunities.
•    Analyze safety data to identify trends and drive risk reduction strategies.
•    Communicate audit results, observations, near misses and action item status to leadership and impacted groups.
•    Participate in MSHA activities and regulatory interactions within designated market area(s).
•    Advise and actively assist leaders on company safety and health records and recordkeeping requirements. 
Training & Development
•    Conduct MSHA Part 46 training, required OSHA training, and Basic Safety Training within designated market area(s).
•    Develop, update and deliver annual refresher and site-specific training programs. This includes conducting annual reviews of MSHA Part 46 and OSHA training plans.
•    Coordinate and manage third-party safety and health services (e.g., hearing conservation, industrial hygiene sampling, specialized training).
Incident Investigation & Risk Management
•    Investigate incidents, accidents, near misses and property damage in an expeditious manner. This includes collaborating with Risk Management and following their established procedures.
•    Serve as a subject matter expert for post-accident / injury substance abuse testing procedures.
•    Perform root cause analyses and develop corrective and preventive action communications as Event Learnings for companywide education.
•    Assist with identification, analysis and control of occupational hazards.
•    Apply risk assessment and hazard resolution methodologies.
Emergency Preparedness
•    Assist leaders with emergency response plans and procedures in designated market area(s) no less than annually
•    Assist with coordination of emergency drills and response exercises.
•    Ensure readiness and proper functioning of emergency and safety equipment.
Additional Responsibilities
•    Establish and maintain effective communication with Human Resources Business Partners (HRBP), operational leadership, vendors, professional organizations and regulatory agencies.
•    Contribute to department goals, initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
•    Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education & Experience
•    Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related field. Significant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 
•    Minimum of 2 years of experience in mining, construction, manufacturing or industrial safety.
Certifications
•    ASP, CSP, or CMSP certification or ability to obtain.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
•    Strong working knowledge of MSHA, OSHA and applicable safety regulations.
•    Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to lead training and facilitate group discussions.
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
•    Highly organized with strong follow-up and attention to detail.
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, field-oriented environment.
Travel & Availability
•    Ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight travel.
•    Ability to work nights, weekends and respond to emergencies outside normal work hours.
•    Valid driver’s license and compliant with NESL Driving Standards.
Personal Characteristics & Competencies
•    Entrepreneurial mindset balanced with a keen understanding of risk awareness.
•    Confident, adaptable and proactive professional.
•    Strong organizational influence and collaboration skills.
•    Willingness to lead change and follow through on commitments.
•    Alignment with NESL Cultural Goals:
o    Focus & Integrity To Do What’s Right
o    Know the Numbers, Know the Business
o    Embrace Change
o    Intentionally Collaborative