Environmental Health & Safety Manager

SUMMARY

Oversees and ensures compliance to all applicable OSHA regulations and coordinates the Process Safety Management program.  Develops and conducts safety training programs and promotes a strong safety culture at all levels of the organization. Supports the safety, food safety, quality, SQF, GMP and USDA programs and requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

•  Monitor OSHA regulations and review/update all company safety programs to ensure compliance, including Hot Work, Chemical Safety, Lockout/Tagout, Arc Flash, Hazard Communication, Confined Space, Ladder Control, Respirator, Hand Tools, and all other programs as applicable.
•  Conduct daily walk-through inspections of all production areas and address any safety issues or concerns.
• With HR oversight, maintain and update the company’s written safety programs, Safety & Emergency Response Manual, and Ammonia Emergency Response Plan documents.
•  Maintain the Contractor Safety Manual and conduct contractor safety training to ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
•  Develop and update safety training material to ensure ongoing compliance.
•  Conduct safety training for new hires, partners promoted into new roles, and temporary workers on all applicable safety programs and procedures, and maintain appropriate records.
• Plan, schedule and conduct monthly on-shift safety refresher training.
•  Oversee the Hearing Conservation Program; ensure baseline testing is completed as necessary, schedule and coordinate annual testing, and maintain partner records.
•  Schedule and coordinate noise level testing in work areas with the addition of new or modified equipment.
•  Evaluate PPE requirements and effectiveness; complete hazard assessments and conduct Job Safety Analyses periodically to ensure compliance.
• Monitor inventory of PPE and order replacements as necessary; issue ear muffs and utility knives, and maintain records.
•  Coordinate the Safety Observation Audit and Lockout/Tagout Audit process; track and report results monthly.
•  Conduct Safety Observation Audits and monthly facility inspections, including fire extinguisher and emergency lighting checks; maintain record of inspections and any follow-up action required.
•  Monitor Forklift Inspection Log compliance and report issues in a timely manner.
•  Oversee the Plant Safety Committee, holding monthly Plant Safety Committee meetings, and provide updates to the Safety Steering Committee on a regular basis.
•  Train Facilitators, Managers and Team Leaders in accident and near-miss incident reporting.
•  Review safety incidents and corrective actions with the Safety Steering Committee on a regular basis.
• Oversee accident and near-miss incident investigations and ensure completion of the report form in a timely manner; communicate all safety incidents to shift facilitators, managers and Human Resources immediately, and follow up to ensure appropriate corrective actions were implemented.
• Monitor the Return to Work program to minimize lost time and expedite the return of injured partners to the workplace; work with HR, facilitators and managers to identify appropriate light duty work.
•  Assist with the Process Safety Management (PSM) and emergency response programs and ensure effectiveness of partner training and education.
•  Schedule and coordinate periodic evacuation/tornado safety drills and fire extinguisher training; maintain fire and evacuation drill records.
• Manage the Safety Suggestion program to encourage partner involvement and engagement.
• Update and maintain SDS binders, Master Chemical List, and Product Specifications sheets.
• Provide backup assistance to the Shift Safety Coordinator in the event of absences as needed.
• HR Manager partnering with the Shift Safety Coordinator will provide backup in case of an absence.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities                                           

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills required.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The ability to effectively implement teaching techniques and various multimedia training methods is essential. Basic knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local health and safety laws, regulations, and standards is required.  Knowledge of operational and safety procedures is required.  Completion of the 40-hour OSHA Certification training program is strongly preferred. Must be self-motivated and a team player, with a personal commitment to integrity, honesty, respect, quality and reliability. Must have an unwavering commitment to safety in the workplace and enjoy teaching others.  Must be available to train on all shifts.

Education and/or Experience:                                                    

A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Training or related field is normally required.  Must possess a minimum of three years experience facilitating and developing safety programs in a manufacturing environment.  Previous experience in the processed meat industry is strongly preferred.

Communication Skills:                                                   

Must possess excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations.  Must have the ability to develop and conduct training classes covering a wide variety of safety topics to a diverse work group, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.   Bilingual skills in Spanish are strongly preferred.

Computer Skills

Must possess advanced computer proficiency, specifically with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the Internet. 

Mathematical Skills                                            

Must possess basic math skills, with the ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. 

Reasoning Ability                                               

Must have the ability to solve problems using root cause problem solving methods and principles, and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, and the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.  Must be able to interpret and apply OSHA regulations.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to sit, stand; walk and talk and hear. The partner is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and color vision.

Work Environment

The noise level in the office work environment is low, and in the production work environment is usually loud.  There is a wide variation of temperatures ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various production areas.  The work environment is wet and slippery most times.  Partners are required to wear frocks, hairnets, slip-resistant footwear and hearing protection at all times in the production areas.