Health & Safety Specialist

The Health and Safety Specialist (H&S Specialist) shall report to the Senior Health & Safety Manager. The H&S Specialist position requires a motivated self starter with a team approach to problem solving. Responsibilities include implementing safety and programs for assigned location and for minimizing company liabilities. Liabilities are reduced by establishing and enforcing effective safety policy and loss control programs; including developing a culture of proactive engagement to prevent hazardous conditions through compliance training and implementation of effective procedures. The H&S Specialist must foster management commitment to drive appropriate behaviors that prevent injuries or illnesses in the work place. The position is further responsible for implementation of company policies, procedures, and plans related to all health and safety. The H&S Specialist is responsible for conducting on-site field work associated with sampling, monitoring, observing, recording, and preparing reports, records, plans, and results required by regulatory permit, plan, or agreement.

This position operates within somewhat defined parameters. The primary goal of this position is to achieve excellence in all facets of health and safety management. Providing the highest quality product safely, effectively and efficiently decreases accidents and errors and increases profits.

Essential Functions:

Specific Other Responsibilities (regional, local, compliance, etc.):

The H&S Specialist must be capable of concurrently handling multiple projects at multiple locations. Includes oversight and management of work performed by various consultants and contractors, as well as coordination with both in-house and outside legal counsel.

Internal Control Responsibilities:

Supports the Company’s Internal Controls process which includes understanding, communicating and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business. Communicates upward problems in operations, non-compliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.

Interpersonal Contacts:

Internal contacts are by phone, email, and in person with all levels of personnel throughout the Schnitzer Steel Industries related locations. External contacts are by phone, in person, and in writing, including rehabilitation workers, state and federal OSHA authorities, etc. The H&S Specialist interfaces with corporate safety, other safety professionals internal and external to company, vendors, and regulatory agencies for technical interpretation. From time to time represents the organization at public and/or private discussions including technical forums, regulatory hearings, legal actions, or other public meetings. Maintains relationships with government personnel in regulatory agencies and outside associations concerned with pollution abatement. Furthermore, ensuring an open and collaborative communication style and maintaining professional dialogue with key business partners (i.e. Regional Directors, Operation Managers, other H&S peers, Engineer peers, etc.) throughout the organization is absolutely essential to the incumbent’s success.

Job Conditions:

Occasional air and frequent car travel required to visit multiple locations (as regionally required). Exposure to physical operations ranging from office environments to metal recycling yards. Pressure is experienced in decision making concerning applications of code requirements versus production requirements. Periodic overtime is required. Position may have to respond to urgent situations on off hours and/or weekends and holidays.

Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions:

Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds frequently and over 50 pounds occasionally; walk or otherwise negotiate around physical barriers as would be found in a warehouse or metal recycling scrap yard; sit for up to 6 hours per day; keyboard for 1-3 hours per day; and be mobile for extended periods of time, up to several hours per day. Visual acuity required to perform close detail work to input and retrieve data from a computer; read and interpret figures on reports; conduct physical facilities inspections. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in a professional manner, with all levels of hourly and management employees is required. Must be able to scale varying heights as necessary.

Qualifications:

BS in Health and Safety, Chemical, or Civil Engineering preferred. One to two years of related experience required and Industrial Hygiene experience, with experience in Compliance/Management. Knowledge, skills, and ability to execute local, territory, and federal Health and Safety and other government compliance regulations. This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive an automobile.

Must be able to balance business needs with health and safety requirements in a cost-effective manner. Knowledge and experience in collecting, managing, and analyzing various data and trends in health and safety behavior and compliance is needed. Must make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, or government law. Effective written and oral communication skills within a culturally diverse environment required. Must be personally responsible and accountable for achieving performance goals as well as those of a team and have a proven track record of building credible relationships. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred. Regional travel required.