What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safety Specialist position at Weinbrenner Shoe Co Inc?
The Safety Specialist plays a vital role in supporting Weinbrenner’s commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment. This position works closely with the Safety, Human Resources, Manufacturing, and Maintenance teams to lead safety initiatives, conduct training, perform investigations, and implement protocols that reduce hazards across multiple facilities. The ideal candidate is proactive, collaborative, and passionate about fostering a culture where safety is at the forefront of everyday operations.
What You’ll Do:
As a Safety Specialist, you’ll be responsible for supporting Weinbrenner’s core values by:
- Collaborate with the Maintenance & Facilities Director, Safety Director, and Director of Manufacturing to develop and implement measures that reduce hazards and prevent accidents across facilities.
- Conduct regular facility inspections to identify potential safety risks; recommend and verify corrective or preventative actions.
- Design, coordinate, deliver, and document safety trainings and drills, with support from the Safety Director.
- Manage policies, procedures, and compliance related to DOT regulations, including random drug testing and physical programs for CDL-required positions.
- Review and maintain all workplace injury, illness, and incident reports to ensure they are accurate, timely, and compliant with OSHA regulations.
- Plan and facilitate Safety Committee meetings, including maintaining records, tracking participation, and ensuring timely follow-up on action items.
- Provide SOP information, signage, barriers, and other materials to eliminate or warn against workplace hazards.
- Assist in the investigation of accidents and injuries; support preparation of evidence and documentation for hearings, lawsuits, or insurance inquiries.
- Partner with floor leaders to analyze injury trends and reinforce safety procedures that reduce incident rates.
- Support workers’ compensation administration in partnership with the Safety Director and HR, including coordination with insurance adjusters and Loss Control representatives.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent project, time, and resource management
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Proficiency with Excel
Education & Experience:
- Minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent college-level coursework required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- In lieu of an Associate’s degree, a high school diploma and at least three (3) years of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) experience will be accepted.
- Instructor certification in first aid or first response, including AED instruction (required).
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of OSHA regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply relevant laws and standards effectively.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Why Work at Weinbrenner:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (including free primary care through AnoviaHealth for employees on HDHP)
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- Voluntary supplemental insurance options
- 401(k) plan
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) fully funded by Weinbrenner
- Bonus program
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tuition assistance and Employee Assistance Program
If you have a positive attitude, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a difference in a growing company, we want to hear from you! Apply today by clicking “Apply Now” or pick up an application at 211 S Genesee St, Merrill, WI, Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM.
Weinbrenner Shoe Company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.