Safety Specialist

Position Summary :
Administers, coordinates, and supports safety programs, compliance, research, and policy development related to all areas of JEA’s operations. Conducts frequent field site visits as a major component of the role to observe work practices, identify risks, evaluate compliance, and support safe operations. Serves as the primary point of contact for addressing safety issues and collaborating with management and employees on corrective actions and continuous improvement throughout all areas of JEA.

Criteria:
Education/Experience:
High school diploma (GED) with a minimum of seven years of experience in utility construction or field operations, including progressively responsible experience with crew oversight and participation in safety planning and procedures, or bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years of experience overseeing a utility or construction safety program. Direct utility construction or maintenance experience preferred.

Skills/Abilities:
Strong written and oral communication skills. Comfortable presenting to large groups. Ability to contribute creative ideas and solutions to improve safety performance. Proficient in use of Microsoft products and various computer software.

Certifications/Licenses:
Must obtain the following safety certifications as soon as applicable experience requirements are met, but no later than four years after assuming the position:

• TVPPA Certified Safety Coordinator
• Certified Utility Safety Professional
• OSHA 511/501 (General Industry)
• OSHA 510/500 (Construction)

Physical Demands:
The ability to use a computer keyboard effectively. The ability to orally communicate by phone & person to person. The ability to see and read printed material. The ability to safely operate a standard equipped company motor vehicle. Ability to walk over rough terrain and access areas from a ladder or limited means of egress.

Work Environment:
Indoor/outdoor conditions. 

Driving:
Must have and maintain a valid TN Class “D” license.

Telephone:
Must maintain an operating telephone and furnish the number to his/her supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT and APPA safety regulations.
• Provides suggestions to minimize workplace injuries.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and oversees various safety policies and programs in collaboration with managers and supervisors. (e.g. – Substance Abuse Policy, Vehicle Policy, Hepatitis Vaccination Program, Fire/Earthquake Procedures, etc.)
• Provides leadership to Management in the assessment of safety practices and formulating recommendations for changes as needed.
• Coordinates CDL training and testing with Tennessee College of Applied Technology and monitors CDL program to ensure employees are maintaining appropriate license requirements.
• Communicates with employees, customers, and other entities to provide information or answer questions regarding various safety related matters.

• Performs frequent inspections of jobsites and JEA facilities; documents deficiencies; and coordinates corrective actions to address identified concerns.
• Serves as a liaison between the workers’ compensation third-party administrator, management, and employees to facilitate claim coordination, documentation, and timely resolution.
• Investigates injury claims, documents findings, and prepares timely written reports.
• Provides investigation and documentation of all accidents throughout operational areas.
• Coordinates medical care and assistance to injured employees to facilitate return to work.
• Administers alcohol and drug plans, including coordination of testing, and ensures plans meet DOT and Drug Free Workplace regulatory guidelines.

• Compiles and maintains accident statistics; analyzes trends; and evaluates preventive measures.
• Submits annual OSHA, DOT, Tier II and other regulatory safety reports.
• Completes quarterly MVR batch reports and evaluates for non-compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of industry trends that would assist in the interpretation of data and benchmarking with other companies.

• Conducts general safety orientation for new hires.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements safety compliance training and other training as needed to minimize risk of injury.
• Participates in safety audits performed by various governmental agencies and responds to their findings.
• Participates in annual safety surveys with various agencies (TVPPA, APPA, AWWA, SGA, etc.)
• Plans and assists in conducting appropriate drills related emergency procedures.
• Coordinates CPR, First Aid and AED training for employee certifications.
• Oversees the Automated External Defibrillator program and applicable maintenance of the AED devices.
• Performs other duties as requested.