Director of Safety

The Director of Safety leads VCU Health’s overall safety program including on-going organization-wide compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and standards pertaining to Life Safety (LS) and the Environment of Care (EC) by developing, implementing, communicating, monitoring, and evaluating all practices, activities, programs, strategies, and initiatives thereto pertaining. Maintains up-to-date expert knowledge and understanding of all Joint Commission EC and LS standards and ensures all documents are complete and compliant. Responsible for maintaining continuous readiness for all federal, state and local regulatory body surveys or inspections in the areas of EC, LS. Coordinates with Emergency Management and Preparedness on all emergency preparedness standards. Keeps abreast of and ensures compliance with VCU Health policies and procedures, relevant federal, state, and local statutes, regulations and reporting requirements.

Essential Job Statements

• Coordinates the on-going, organization-wide system of information collection and evaluation in order to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement relative to The Joint Commission (TJC) Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS) standards;
• Collaborates with management to develop, prepare, and implement safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, codes, and rules.
• Chairs the Environment of Care Committee and provides reports to other committees/bodies as required.
• Identifies opportunities to minimize workplace injuries, accidents, and health hazards.
• Conducts safety inspections and audits to identify potential safety hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Reviews safety training and recommends revisions, improvements, and updates to promote a culture of safety.
• Reviews accident and incident reports and incorporates pattern/trend findings to develop preventive measures.
  
  

Patient Population: N/A

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Required: Bachelor’s degree in health and safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Health, or related field required.

Preferred Education: N/A

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure/Certification Required: N/A

Licensure/Certification Preferred: Preferred: Certifications such as Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: Required: At least five years of occupational health and safety experience in an industrial environment required.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Extensive knowledge of current safety policies and applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to analyze safety data and trends to identify areas for improvement. Excellent problem-solving skills to address safety issues and implement effective solutions. Keen attention to detail to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance. Ability to work collaboratively with different departments and staff members.

Cultural Responsiveness: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: N/A

Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder

Hazards: N/A

Mental/Sensory – Emotional  

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional : Fast-paced environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

Days

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.