Safety Specialist

Safety Specialist

Job Summary

The Safety Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of occupational health and safety programs, policies, and procedures within the organization. This position serves as a visible safety resource to employees and leadership, with a strong emphasis on proactive hazard identification, employee engagement, regulatory compliance, and injury prevention.

The Safety Specialist is expected to spend approximately 60% of working time on the manufacturing floor and 40% on administrative, training, documentation, and safety program activities . The position works closely with employees, supervisors, and management to promote safe work practices and strengthen the organization's safety culture.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Floor & Employee Engagement - Approximately 60%

• Maintains a consistent and visible presence on the manufacturing floor to observe work practices, identify hazards, and reinforce safe behaviors.
• Conducts routine safety inspections, observations, and audits to evaluate compliance with company policies and applicable safety requirements.
• Engages directly with employees and supervisors to identify safety concerns and develop practical solutions to reduce workplace risk.
• Provides real-time safety coaching and guidance to employees regarding safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and established safety procedures.
• Identifies unsafe conditions and behaviors and works with employees and leadership to ensure timely corrective action.
• Exercises stop-work authority when an operation or activity presents an immediate risk of injury, illness, or equipment damage.
• Participates in incident, injury, near-miss, and property-damage investigations, including identifying contributing factors and recommending corrective and preventive actions.
• Follows up on corrective actions to verify completion and effectiveness.
• Identifies opportunities to reduce workplace injuries, ergonomic risks, unsafe conditions, and occupational health exposures.
• Supports compliance with applicable programs and standards, including machine guarding, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hazard communication, PPE, powered industrial trucks, walking-working surfaces, and other manufacturing safety requirements.
• Conducts and supports employee safety training, toolbox talks, and other safety communications.
• Builds positive working relationships with production employees and supervisors to encourage reporting of hazards, near misses, and safety concerns.
• Participates in safety committee activities and other employee safety initiatives.

Safety Programs, Compliance & Administration - Approximately 40%

• Supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of company safety policies, procedures, and programs.
• Assists with monitoring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local occupational health and safety laws, regulations, codes, and standards.
• Supports OSHA recordkeeping and reporting activities, including maintaining accurate safety and incident documentation.
• Reviews incident and accident reports for accuracy, completeness, trends, and opportunities for corrective action.
• Maintains safety inspection, audit, training, and corrective-action records.
• Tracks safety observations, incidents, near misses, corrective actions, and other safety performance indicators.
• Assists in analyzing safety data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Reviews safety training materials and recommends revisions, improvements, and updates as needed.
• Develops and delivers safety training and communications based on regulatory requirements and identified workplace needs.
• Provides technical and administrative support to the safety committee.
• Participates in internal and external safety audits and assists with corrective-action plans.
• Collaborates with management, supervisors, engineering, maintenance, human resources, and production teams on safety-related projects and initiatives.
• Stays current on applicable OSHA standards, industry practices, and emerging workplace safety requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Working knowledge of occupational health and safety principles and applicable OSHA standards within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Ability to identify workplace hazards, evaluate risk, and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Ability and willingness to spend approximately 60% of working time actively engaged on the manufacturing floor .
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively engage, coach, and influence employees at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and conduct effective safety training.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple safety activities, corrective actions, and priorities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with employees, supervisors, and management.
• Sound judgment and confidence to address unsafe conditions and exercise stop-work authority when necessary.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Health, Industrial Safety, or a related field, plus two years of occupational health and safety experience , preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment;

OR

• At least five years of occupational health and safety experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment;

OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

Safety-related certifications such as OSHA 30-Hour General Industry, GSP, ASP, CSP, or similar credentials are preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods walking and standing in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to regularly travel throughout production, warehouse, maintenance, and other facility areas to conduct safety observations, inspections, investigations, and employee engagement activities.
• Ability to work around manufacturing equipment and in areas where required personal protective equipment must be worn.
• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and access work areas as reasonably required to conduct safety inspections and hazard assessments.
• Must be able to respond to safety incidents and concerns throughout the facility as needed.