Health and Safety Specialist

Summary The Safety Specialist is responsible for implementing Bakkavor's safety programs in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and for administering workers’ compensation claims, ensuring communication with medical facilities, injured employees, and the coordination of the modified duty program. Responsibilities Work with the Safety Manager to focus on continuous improvement initiatives to reduce work‑process risks, raise safety awareness, and enhance safe work practices to foster a positive safety culture. Assist in the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations, including OSHA and CALOSHA. Administer workers’ compensation claims and coordinate communication with medical facilities, injured employees, and the modified duty program. Interpret and coach on safety rules, regulations, and procedures for management and employees. Conduct periodic in‑depth compliance audits and root‑cause analysis of work areas and operations to identify, evaluate, and control unsafe hazards or risks. Coordinate and lead, as needed, the planning, preparation, implementation, execution, and recovery of emergency or crisis management events, employee injury events, environmental pollution events, fire safety events, or other health and safety risk events. Conduct safety observations and incident investigations to determine and implement continuous improvement actions across the site. Conduct safety training on all required OSHA topics, including New Employee Orientation, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Trips, Slips & Falls, Electrical Safety, Hazard Communication, Hearing Protection, Emergency Action Plan, Bloodborne Pathogens, Lock‑out/Tag‑out Program, and Forklift Operator certification. Develop training material and maintain the Safety Training database. Coordinate and help lead Safety Committee team meetings. Maintain a log of all work‑related injuries/illnesses, property damage incidents, and near misses; update OSHA 300 logs as required. Qualifications and Experience Associate Degree in Health & Safety or a related field and 3–5 years in a Safety Specialist role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Expertise in OSHA/CAL‑OSHA compliance; OSHA‑30 certification required. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization. Strong attention to detail, organizational, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to take initiative and operate independently with general direction in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to remain calm in the event of an emergency. Capability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Continuous Improvement mindset. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Microsoft Office suite proficiency. Preferred Certifications CSP, ASP, OHST, or other safety certifications. Languages Spanish (Required) Benefits 401(k) and 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Relocation assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Compensation Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year #J-18808-Ljbffr