Safety Specialist

Safety Specialist The Safety Specialist supports the company's safety and environmental objectives by promoting a safe and compliant work environment throughout manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Environment Health & Safety Manager, this position serves as a safety subject matter resource and provides guidance, training, and support related to workplace safety, occupational injury reporting, incident investigations, regulatory compliance, and hazard prevention. The Safety Specialist works closely with manufacturing leadership and Team Members to identify existing and potential workplace hazards, develop effective corrective actions and countermeasures, and reinforce safe work practices. This position must be capable of working independently as well as collaboratively with Safety & Environment leadership in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. Position Responsibilities The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position: Serve as a Safety Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide guidance and support regarding workplace safety, safety training, occupational injury reporting and tracking, and incident investigations. Promote a safe work environment by reinforcing safe work practices, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with established safety policies and procedures. Conduct and support workplace incident and accident investigations, evaluate contributing factors and root causes, and partner with department leadership to develop effective corrective actions and countermeasures to prevent recurrence. Facilitate the incident investigation process and ensure appropriate documentation, reporting, follow-up, and corrective actions are completed. Conduct new hire, annual, and other required safety training and maintain accurate training records. Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and other scheduled workplace safety and environmental audits to evaluate departmental compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. Perform safety inspections and support compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and other applicable safety requirements. Review existing safety policies, procedures, and practices and recommend revisions based on changes to federal, state, and local regulations or identified operational needs. Partner proactively with department leadership to identify and eliminate existing or potential safety and environmental hazards. Support compliance with applicable regulatory agencies and requirements, including OSHA, SAWS, air quality requirements, and other applicable safety and environmental regulations. Participate in and, when appropriate, lead safety-related continuous improvement and process improvement activities. Track and maintain safety-related records, reports, documentation, and compliance information as required. Maintain the confidentiality of personal, medical, injury, and other sensitive employee information and records. Communicate safety-related information, findings, risks, and recommendations effectively with Team Members, department leadership, management, and executive staff. Support the development and implementation of corrective and preventive measures designed to improve workplace safety performance. Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by management. Required Skills and Abilities Essential Skills and Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to workplace safety, occupational health, environmental compliance, or responsibilities comparable to those of this position. Working knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, including 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards and applicable compliance reporting requirements. Ability to conduct workplace safety inspections, audits, incident investigations, and hazard assessments. Ability to identify safety hazards and recommend appropriate corrective and preventive actions. Strong organizational, documentation, and recordkeeping skills. Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with Team Members, manufacturing leadership, management, and executive staff. Ability to communicate safety requirements and expectations clearly and effectively to employees at various levels of the organization. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling personal, injury-related, medical, or other sensitive information. Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong attention to detail and effective time management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond appropriately to changing operational and safety needs. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to create and maintain documents, reports, graphs, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and other safety-related materials using Microsoft Office applications. Ability to understand, follow, recommend, and promote safe work practices. Beneficial Skills and Experience Six (6) months or more of experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred. Experience working in an automotive manufacturing environment preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills preferred. Experience conducting workplace safety training preferred. Experience participating in or leading safety-related continuous improvement activities preferred. Education/Training/Certifications Bachelor's degree in Safety and Health Management, Environmental Studies, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field preferred. OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour training preferred. Knowledge of HAZMAT handling processes preferred. Travel Requirements Business travel of approximately 5% or less may be required based on business needs. Must be willing and available to travel to such locations and with such frequency as necessary to meet business needs. Work Environment Requirements With reasonable accommodation: Must be able to work in both office and manufacturing environments. Must be able to perform duties that require prolonged walking and standing on the manufacturing floor, including while conducting safety patrols, audits, inspections, and incident investigations. Must be able to bend, stand, kneel, reach, and lift up to 30 pounds. Must be able to perform duties involving considerable physical activity throughout the workday. Must be able to adapt to changing conditions, priorities, and operational needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Must be able to work effectively in areas where manufacturing equipment and processes are operating. Must be able to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Must be able to work on multiple assignments and complete responsibilities within established deadlines with satisfactory quality. Must be able to operate as an effective team member and collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization. Must be committed to a high standard of safety and comply with all applicable safety laws, regulations, and company safety policies. Attendance/Work Hour Requirements Must maintain an acceptable attendance record. Must maintain the flexibility necessary to support safety-related activities, incidents, investigations, training, and other business needs as required.