Health and Safety Specialist

Job Description

WE ARE AUTOKINITON

DRIVING SUCCESS FOR THE WORLD'S TOP AUTO MANUFACTURERS.

At AUTOKINITON, we are more than just an automotive supplier - we are the backbone of vehicle performance and safety. Specializing in high-strength structural components and precision stamping assemblies, our parts are trusted by the world's leading automakers. Our dedicated teams proudly deliver quality parts and assemblies that contribute to vehicle durability and safety. With decades of experience, a passion for continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach, we play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.

CAREERS WITH AUTOKINITON

Building the Future-Together. AUTOKINITON is a trusted partner to the world's leading automotive manufacturers, known for our operational excellence and culture of continuous improvement. Our core value, 'We, not I,' reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We cultivate a workplace where independent thinking is encouraged, and every associate plays a vital role in our progress. Join a high-performance team committed to shaping the future of mobility-with opportunity, purpose, and growth at every turn.

POSITION: Health and Safety Specialist
Location: AUTOKINITON - Belleville, MI II
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Health and Safety Specialist is a critical member of the Operations team at AUTOKINITON's Belleville, MI facility. Reporting to the EHS Manager, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive health and safety programs that ensure a safe and compliant work environment for all associates. The Health and Safety Specialist will serve as a resource for all safety-related matters, driving a culture of safety excellence across the manufacturing floor and administrative areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Health and Safety Specialist will be responsible for a broad range of duties designed to protect the well-being of all AUTOKINITON associates and ensure regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include:

- Developing, implementing, and continuously improving health and safety policies, procedures, and programs in alignment with OSHA regulations, federal, state, and local laws, and AUTOKINITON's internal standards.
- Conducting regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments throughout the manufacturing facility to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.
- Investigating workplace incidents, near-misses, and accidents to determine root causes and develop preventive measures to eliminate recurrence.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date safety records, including OSHA 300 logs, incident reports, safety training documentation, and regulatory compliance records.
- Support designing and delivering safety training programs for associates at all levels, including new hire orientation, job-specific safety training, emergency response procedures, and ongoing safety education initiatives.
- Collaborating with plant management, supervisors, and associates to promote a proactive safety culture and ensure safety best practices are integrated into daily operations.
- Managing the facility's emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures, first aid protocols, and coordination with local emergency services.
- Monitoring and ensuring compliance with environmental health and safety regulations, including hazardous materials handling, waste disposal, and air quality standards.
- Participating in safety committee meetings, leading safety-related discussions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
- Coordinating with workers' compensation carriers and medical providers to manage injury cases and facilitate return-to-work programs.
- Evaluating and recommending personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and ensuring proper usage and availability throughout the facility.
- Staying current with changes in health and safety regulations and industry best practices, and communicating relevant updates to management and associates.
- Supporting capital projects and new equipment installations by conducting pre-startup safety reviews and ensuring safe integration into the production environment.
- Tracking and analyzing safety performance metrics, preparing reports for management, and recommending data-driven improvements to reduce injury rates and enhance overall safety performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will hold a 4-year degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field, combined with 3 to 5 years of experience in a health and safety role, preferably within an automotive manufacturing. Strong knowledge of OSHA standards, EPA regulations, and Michigan-specific workplace safety requirements is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence and engage associates at all levels of the organization.

WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:

Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule.

Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.

Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.

Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Required Skills

• In-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations, federal, state, and local health and safety laws
• Proficiency in conducting workplace hazard assessments, safety audits, and risk evaluations
• Strong incident investigation and root cause analysis skills
• Ability to develop and deliver effective safety training programs for diverse audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and cross-functional collaboration
• Proficiency in maintaining safety records, OSHA 300 logs, and compliance documentation
• Knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations including hazardous materials handling and waste management
• Ability to analyze safety performance data and develop data-driven improvement strategies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and safety management software
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) standards and requirements
• Ability to lead safety committee meetings and drive a proactive safety culture
• Familiarity with workers compensation processes and return-to-work program management
• Knowledge of emergency response planning and coordination
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage associates at all organizational levels
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and associated safety risks

Required Experience

• 3 to 5 years of progressive experience in a health and safety role within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or heavy industrial settings strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience conducting OSHA compliance audits and managing regulatory inspections
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive health and safety programs
• Proven track record of investigating workplace incidents and implementing corrective and preventive actions
• Experience designing and delivering safety training programs for hourly and salaried associates
• Experience managing OSHA recordkeeping requirements including OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs
• Experience coordinating with workers compensation carriers and managing injury case management
• Experience leading or participating in safety committees and cross-functional safety initiatives
• Experience with environmental compliance programs including hazardous waste management
• Experience conducting job hazard analyses and developing safe work procedures
• Experience managing emergency response plans and conducting emergency drills
• 4-year degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required
• Professional certifications such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional), ASP (Associate Safety Professional), or CHMM are a plus
• Experience using safety management information systems and data analysis tools