Occupational Safety and Health Specialist

Somafina | Occupational Health & Safety Specialist / EHS Manager

Job Summary

The Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Specialist / EHS Manager at Somafina is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing safety protocols across manufacturing, packaging, and laboratory operations. This role ensures full compliance with OSHA, FDA, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, leads incident and workers' compensation case management, and champions a proactive safety culture through daily facility walks, training, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Compliance & Inspections

• Conduct routine safety inspections of production, packaging, and laboratory areas to identify hazards and ensure GMP and OSHA compliance.
• Develop and maintain safety policies tailored to nutraceutical/manufacturing environments, including sanitation, allergen control, and chemical handling.
• Monitor air quality, exposure levels, and noise in compliance with industrial hygiene standards.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of raw materials, supplements, and cleaning chemicals; maintain SDS records and chemical inventory.
• Lead daily Gemba/safety walks of facilities, partnering with leadership to reinforce behavioral safety culture (e.g., STOP program) and observe conditions firsthand.
  
  

Incident Management & Reporting

• Lead accident and incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) plans.
• Maintain incident report and near-miss databases; ensure timely activation of CAPA plans.
• Prepare and submit required OSHA reporting, including OSHA 300 logs, and maintain all associated documentation.
• Create and maintain weekly safety reporting for management and prepare documentation for audits, regulatory inspections (FDA, OSHA), and third-party certifications.
  
  

Workers' Compensation & Return-to-Work

• Manage workers' compensation claims from filing through resolution, including direct contact with injured employees and coordination with claims adjustors.
• Develop, activate, and manage individualized return-to-work plans, adapting accommodations to employee needs.
• Ensure all return-to-work and leave processes comply with ADA, FLSA, and FMLA regulations.
• Maintain ongoing communication with workers' compensation carriers and adjustors throughout the claim lifecycle.
  
  

Training & Collaboration

• Deliver training on GMP compliance, PPE usage, chemical safety, emergency response, required OSHA training, and SOP training.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Production, Human Resources, and Maintenance to proactively address safety concerns.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field; candidates with an environmental background are strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2-4 years of EHS experience, preferably in a nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of OSHA standards, GMPs, FDA regulations, and HACCP principles.
• Working knowledge of ADA, FLSA, and FMLA as they apply to workers' compensation and return-to-work management.
• Certifications preferred: OSHA 30, ASP, CSP, CIH, or HACCP.
• Excellent communication, training, and report-writing skills.
• Experience with safety management systems and incident tracking software is a plus.
• Highly adaptable, with the ability to navigate evolving priorities and build GMP knowledge on the job.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work involves both office and production floor environments.
• May require standing, walking, or wearing PPE in regulated areas for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to warehouses or contract manufacturing sites.