HR & Safety Specialist

Job Summary:

The HR & Safety Specialist is primarily responsible for overseeing workplace safety, regulatory compliance, injury prevention, workers' compensation administration, and employee training initiatives. This role partners with management and site HR personnel to promote a safe work environment, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and support workforce development. The position also provides support for HR-related activities including onboarding, recordkeeping, recruiting support, and compliance administration.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Human Resources:
   • Assist with new hire orientation and onboarding, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
   • Maintain HR records and documentation, including personnel files, training records, certifications, and compliance documentation.
   • Support recruiting activities and the employee onboarding process.
   • Assist with HR compliance initiatives and required reporting.
   • Support HR projects and workforce development initiatives.
   • Partner with site HR personnel on employee matters involving safety, return-to-work programs, and regulatory compliance.
2. Safety and Compliance:
   • Develop, implement, and maintain safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA, MIOSHA, and other regulatory requirements.
   • Conduct and document Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and hazard assessments for manufacturing, warehouse, and maintenance operations.
   • Conduct safety training sessions for employees on topics such as hazard identification, safe work practices, emergency response, and regulatory compliance.
   • Perform regular safety inspections and audits of facilities, equipment, and work processes to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
   • Investigate accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
   • Coordinate safety committee meetings and track corrective actions to completion.
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for safety-related inquiries, concerns, and incident reporting.
   • Maintain required OSHA/MIOSHA records, reports, and documentation.
3. Risk Management:
   • Manage workers' compensation claims from initial injury reporting through claim closure.
   • Coordinate return-to-work and modified duty programs in partnership with supervisors and HR personnel.
   • Work with insurance providers, third-party administrators, medical providers, and legal counsel to manage workers' compensation claims and risk-related matters.
   • Identify and assess risks to employee health and safety and develop strategies to reduce workplace injuries and losses.
   • Monitor injury and claim trends and recommend corrective actions to improve workplace safety performance.
   • Assist with insurance audits, loss-control initiatives, and risk management reporting.

1. Training and Education:
   • Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees, supervisors, and managers.
   • Coordinate annual safety training, certification requirements, and compliance-related education programs.
   • Facilitate new hire safety orientation and onboarding training.
   • Coordinate with external trainers and vendors to provide specialized safety training.
   • Maintain training records and monitor employee compliance with required training programs.
   • Provide guidance and support to managers and supervisors on safety compliance, best practices, and injury prevention initiatives.

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Ability to influence safe behaviors and promote a positive safety culture.
• Experience conducting incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field (preferred).
• 2-4 years of proven experience in human resources and safety roles, with a solid understanding of HR and safety principles and practices.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations, as well as OSHA and other safety standards.
• Certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) and/or safety (e.g., OSHA 30-Hour General Industry) is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk production, warehouse, and office areas for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods while conducting audits, inspections, training, and incident investigations.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas when conducting safety assessments and inspections.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as necessary to inspect equipment, workstations, and production processes.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, high-visibility clothing, and other safety equipment as required.
• Ability to work in manufacturing and warehouse environments with exposure to noise, dust, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and other industrial conditions.
• Ability to respond to workplace incidents and emergencies throughout the facility.