Safety & Health Specialist

Ritter Communications, headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is the largest privately held telecom provider serving the Mid-South. Recognized as one of Arkansas' Best Places to Work for five years running, we deliver world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, and data center services.

With rapid growth and millions invested in advanced infrastructure, we now serve 197 communities and over 60,000 customers across six states. At Ritter Communications, our team combines cutting-edge technology with a customer-first mindset - and we're looking for talented individuals who share our passion for excellence and community impact.

General Summary

The Safety & Health Specialist acts as the subject matter expert providing guidance and direction to management and employees on all issues related to employee safety in the workplace. The primary responsibilities of this role are to promote a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with all related federal, state, and local requirements including but not limited to OSHA and USDOT.

By training and coaching personnel on safe working behaviors, the Safety & Health Specialist promotes a proactive safety culture and drives improvement in all related areas.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops and implements all safety programs, policies, and procedures as required to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations or as otherwise needed to prevent work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses; confirms ongoing compliance through regular program/policy reviews, audits, and employee training as needed;
• Identifies relevant training needs and ensures training is delivered effectively and timely through various methods including external training partners, internal subject matter experts including self, and online resources; maintains all related training records;
• Conducts routine and follow-up safety inspections and hazard assessments at company locations and remote job sites and makes recommendations for risk mitigation;
• Effectively manages all incidents from start to finish including coordinating medical treatment and/or post-accident drug testing if necessary, processing workers compensation claims, and performing OSHA and USDOT reporting and recordkeeping duties as required; works with supervisors to ensure accident investigations are conducted with root causes identified and preventative measures/corrective actions implemented;
• Maintains knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local health and safety regulatory requirements and keeps leaders informed of new and developing regulations;
• Leads cross-functional safety committee comprised of managers and employees across the organization;
• Generates and analyzes driving safety reports from GPS software; makes recommendations to supervisors to assist in improving fleet driver performance;
• Prepares materials for monthly safety meetings for field technicians relating to health and safety matters and accident prevention;
• Maintains Safety Data Sheet (SDS) database;
• Demonstrates commitment to Company values through words and actions;
• Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required;
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Company policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of governmental health and safety regulations and best practices;
• Knowledge of hazard recognition and risk mitigation techniques;
• Demonstrated project management skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills including presentation skills and facilitation skills;
• Professional demeanor with the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas;
• Demonstrated ability to lead federal, state and local regulatory compliance;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and thoroughly audit facilities and address audit findings;
• Demonstrated ability to manage OSHA recordkeeping and H&S metrics;
• Proficient in the use of various software programs including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word);
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and participate as both an independent contributor with little supervision and as an active, collaborative team member - depending on situation and needs;
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across the organization;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education And Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related science or engineering field and 3 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.