Safety Coordinator

The Safety Coordinator supports Washington County's commitment to a safe and healthy workplace by leading countywide safety initiatives and partnering with wide-ranging departments to reduce risk and ensure regulatory compliance. This role conducts incident/accident/injury reviews, analyzes safety trends, develops and delivers training and provides safety support and resources to supervisors and staff. Successful candidates will bring strong knowledge of OSHA/MNOSHA standards, clear communication skills, detail and organizational focus, and the ability to build collaborative relationships while promoting a proactive safety culture. 

The Safety Coordinator supports the county’s safety, health and risk management programs by developing, implementing and monitoring workplace safety initiatives. This position works closely with county departments to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations; reduces workplace hazards; conducts training and develops training programs; and promotes a culture of safety across county operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Industrial Engineering or related field and four years of professional experience in loss control, industrial safety, or industrial hygiene program. Master’s degree may be substituted for two years of required experience. Further consideration will be given to those candidates with CSP, ASP, IH, ARM or other risk management and loss control designations.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE  

Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
• Promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
• Demonstrates knowledge of continuous quality improvement.
• Promotes the engagement of staff and use of data in continuous quality improvement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of loss control practices, principles and methods or trends; especially in the areas of loss prevention, loss reduction, industrial hygiene, and training techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to occupational safety and health.
• Thorough knowledge in the use of industrial hygiene tools and equipment and the application of analytical methods.
• Thorough knowledge of ergonomics and different methods to design equipment and devices that fit the human body.
• Ability to work collaboratively with and communicate effectively with all levels of employees including senior management, elected and appointed officials, and bargaining unit representatives.
• Ability to create and coordinate a multi-departmental effort in loss control.
• Ability and skill to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of both internal and external professional and administrative support personnel.
• Ability to use various software programs associated with training, loss analysis and industrial hygiene equipment.
• Knowledge of the organization, county programs and policies, and operations of public entities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in evaluating and analyzing numerical, statistical, and financial data.
• Skill in developing programs, procedures, budgets and accountability and outcome measures.
• High degree of organizational skills, time management, and priority setting.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
• Provides technical information and assistance to departments and staff on risk management, prevention, and mitigation.
• Develops and provides employee training (new employee orientation, use of office products and furniture, posture, and movement).
• Evaluates and investigates employee complaints regarding safety, health, or other risk management programs. Recommend specific steps and methods to mitigate risk, reduce exposure or prevent injuries where possible.
• Inspects County facilities and assesses programs to document potential problems and follow up as necessary.
• Assists in providing technical assistance and consultation to public health and safety agencies, businesses, municipalities and townships, regarding risk and emergency management issues.

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1. Assist in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the countywide safety and health program.
2. Apply risk-management principles to identify and reduce hazards, including using strategies such as eliminating risks where possible, implementing engineering controls, and managing residual risk through administrative controls and safe-work practices.
3. Conduct workplace safety inspections, audits, and job hazard analyses; recommend corrective actions and support departments in implementation.
4. Investigate workplace accidents, injuries, and incident events; prepare reports and identify root causes and preventative strategies. 
5. Deliver and coordinate required safety training (e.g., OSHA topics, ergonomics, hazard communication, defensive driving, PPE, emergency preparedness).
6. Maintain safety records, reports, and documentation in accordance with OSHA, state, and county requirements. 
7. Coordinate and monitor required pre-employment and recurring safety tests for county employees, ensuring timely completion, accurate recordkeeping, and compliance with county policies and regulatory requirements.
8. Collaborate with supervisors and staff to identify emerging safety issues and develop mitigation plans.
9. Participate in safety committees, emergency response planning, and departmental safety meetings. 
10. Assist in the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and written safety programs. 
11. Support workers’ compensation claims management through communication with departments, identifying trends, and recommending injury-prevention strategies.
12. Monitor regulatory changes and ensure county practices remain compliant. 
13. Serve as a champion of countywide safety and health initiatives by coordinating and promoting periodic campaigns such as winter walking, defensive driving and heat/cold related safety 
14. Perform other duties as assigned

The work environment varies from sedentary work within the Government Center or satellite offices; fieldwork performed outdoors; and driving. Occasionally carry up to 25 pounds; near and mid-range vision; bend and rotate neck, finger grasp; move about; sit; stand; walk; work alone and with others; customer/public contact. Occasional far vision, depth perception, balance, climb stairs, crouch, feel, handle, kneel, maintain posture, reach above shoulders, stoop/bend, twist at waist, right and left-hand turn, exposure to weather, mechanical and electrical hazards, slippery surfaces and extended days. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, calculator, telephone, and copier/scanner.

Additional physical/mental requirements may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions. 

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.

Salary : $84,718 - $115,669