Safety Specialist-Kentucky Cooperage

Safety Specialist-Kentucky Cooperage

The Site Safety Specialist ensures a safe and compliant work environment throughout the facility. This role manages daily safety operations, leads incident response and reporting, oversees safety programs and training, and supports food safety (GMP) initiatives. The position collaborates with supervisors, employees, and vendors to address hazards, maintain compliance, and foster a strong safety culture.

Daily Safety Oversight

• Conduct routine plant walkthroughs and safety audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
• Monitor general plant conditions, including housekeeping and GMP standards.
• Track and resolve safety concerns, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
• Maintain daily safety reports and documentation.
• Check and maintain eyewash stations and other emergency equipment.
• Monitor PPE needs (e.g., earplugs) and coordinate restocking.
• Coordinate site OAKS observations.

Incident Management

• Handle injury reporting and documentation.
• Lead accident investigations and identify root causes.
• Coordinate follow-up care, including doctor appointments and return-to-work tracking.
• Manage workers' compensation reporting and communication.
• Track recordable injuries and milestone reporting

Safety Programs & Compliance

• Maintain and update Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct hazard identification and implement corrective actions.
• Support ISO 14001 awareness and compliance efforts
• Oversee safety systems and resolve related issues.

Training & Communication

• Coordinate and deliver safety training, including:
• Annual safety training
• Forklift certification and evaluations
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training and audits
• Hearing conservation program
• Organize and distribute weekly toolbox talks.
• Lead monthly safety committee meetings, set agendas, document discussions, and follow up on action items.

Equipment & Supplies

• Manage safety and supply inventory, including first-aid and janitorial supplies.
• Coordinate inspections (e.g., annual crane inspections)
• Oversee safety-related purchasing and coordinate with vendors.

Food Safety / GMP Responsibilities

• Oversee daily GMP compliance and sanitation practices.
• Manage the master cleaning schedule.
• Lead or support food safety meetings and training.
• Track and complete corrective actions from food safety audits.
• Prepare for internal and external audits.
• Monitor chemical logs and ensure timely reporting.
• Assist with supplier surveys and food safety documentation.

Additional Duties

• Administer safety incentive and bonus programs.
• Support employee safety needs, including footwear and prescription safety glasses.
• Coordinate seasonal safety efforts (e.g., heat relief measures)

Qualifications

• Experience in safety, environmental health, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and general safety practices required.
• Familiarity with GMP or food safety standards is a plus.
• Strong organizational and communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on tasks required.

Work Style

• Maintain a hands-on, visible presence on the floor.
• Be comfortable addressing issues directly and working with employees at all levels.
• Manage multiple priorities and respond to issues as they arise.

Employee Benefits Independent Stave Company offers competitive compensation and benefits to employees at each of our facilities. Domestic benefits include: Competitive Pay & Bonuses, Weekly Pay, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Paid Vacation, Continuing Education, 401(k) (Employer match equal to 50% of your "eligible contributions.")

Our Culture Our people are passionate about their craft and take pride in their contribution to the wine and spirits industry, supporting our mission to craft world-class oak barrels and other cooperage products so that our employees, customers and communities flourish. We are always looking for hard-working people to join our team. A great work-ethic, dedication, and reliability are a few of the characteristics that we look for. Independent Stave Company is a drug-free workplace with a focus on communication to ensure the health and safety of our employees. Independent Stave Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.