Safety Director

Safety Director

The Safety Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and administering DES's comprehensive safety, health, loss control, and emergency preparedness programs. This position promotes a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA, DOT, EPA, and other federal, state, and local regulations. The Safety Director conducts safety inspections, investigates accidents and near misses, develops policies and procedures, provides employee training, and works collaboratively with management to protect the safety of employees, customers, contractors, and the public while supporting the mission and strategic objectives of DES.

Essential Functions:

1. Develop, implement, review, and recommend safety policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
2. Design, coordinate, and administer DES's comprehensive safety and loss control program.
3. Routinely evaluate DES safety operations and advise the General Manager of safety concerns, compliance issues, operational risks, or potential threats to employee health and safety. Immediately report serious injuries, incidents, security breaches, or significant safety concerns to the General Manager and appropriate management personnel.
4. Maintain and update the Safety Manual, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), inspection records, testing documentation, training records, and all other required safety-related documentation.
5. Coordinate DES's participation in the DIC SP2 Safety Program and other applicable safety recognition and incentive programs.
6. Review daily and monthly vehicle inspection reports to ensure compliance with DOT regulations and maintain required documentation.
7. Develop, coordinate, and conduct employee safety training programs, including monthly safety meetings and specialized training as needed.
8. Provide safety presentations and training to community organizations, schools, contractors, and other outside groups as requested.
9. Conduct routine safety inspections of facilities, vehicles, equipment, and field operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Document deficiencies and recommend corrective actions to appropriate personnel.
10. Lead the DES Safety Committee and direct accident, incident, and near-miss investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
11. Assist with the collection, documentation, and preservation of information related to property damage, workers' compensation, liability, and injury claims.
12. Conduct new employee safety orientation and ensure completion of all required onboarding safety training and documentation.
13. Prepare, complete, and submit all required governmental, regulatory, and compliance reports within established deadlines.
14. Coordinate DES's hazardous materials and hazardous waste management programs in cooperation with management and maintain compliance with EPA and other applicable environmental regulations.
15. Maintain professional relationships with industry organizations, regulatory agencies, and safety professionals to remain informed of emerging safety practices, technologies, and regulatory changes.
16. Coordinate and lead DES's Emergency Response Program and provide leadership during emergency events and system restoration activities.
17. Promote and maintain a safe work environment by enforcing established safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while encouraging continuous improvement in workplace safety.
18. Provide courteous and professional customer service to employees, customers, contractors, and the public.
19. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, safety committee meetings, industry conferences, and professional development opportunities.
20. Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED is required. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Safety Management, Industrial Hygiene, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility operations, with emphasis in occupational safety, risk management, or regulatory compliance, is preferred. Specialized training or certifications through OSHA, TVPPA, Risk Management, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or equivalent programs are highly desirable. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Special Skills and Abilities:

1. Must be an effective speaker and writer to carry out internal and external written and oral communications with employees, directors, and the general public.
2. Must be able to manage multiple activities, maintain composure in stressful situations, work independently, and assume responsibility.
3. Must have the highest degree of integrity, honesty, pleasant disposition, dependability and tact, and must treat all DES employees with dignity and respect. Must be able to maintain composure during difficult situations to discuss and resolve issues and maintain open communications to achieve DES goals and objectives.
4. Must believe in, be sympathetic with, be interested in furthering the public understanding and acceptance of the utility's objective and be customer service oriented at all times.
5. Must be willing to work with all employees in the best interest of the utility and to accept and implement changes in work programs and patterns.

Physical Requirements:

1. Must possess manual dexterity and visual acuity, as well as the ability to listen and communicate orally and use hands, stand for periods of time, walk, sit, bend, stoop, squat, lift and carry between 50-75 pounds, twist, balance, kneel, crouch, hear, see and perform repetitive motions.
2. Must be able to work outdoors under any type of weather conditions.
3. Must be skilled in the application of first aid methods.
4. Must be able to detect and communicate hazardous situations and follow safe and efficient work practices.
5. Must have good mental concentration to work with high voltage equipment.

License and Certifications:

1. Must possess at the time of employment a valid Class D Driver License allowing legal operation of a motor vehicle in Tennessee. Maintaining of the Class D or equivalent license is a continuing condition of employment.
2. Must maintain at the time of employment or obtain at a time designated by DES, a valid certification of proficiency in adult CPR, first aid, and AED.

Statement on Position: This job description and specification is to give the applicant a reasonable expectation of the requirements and responsibilities of the job. It in no way infers that the person will be limited only to the requirements stated. Anything deemed necessary by Management will become an integral part of the job.