Operations Safety Coordinator

The Operations Safety Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all safety programs across Warehouse, Transportation, and Facilities operations. This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, promotes a proactive safety culture, reduces risk, and delivers hands-on training to staff and volunteers. The position requires extensive warehouse and operations experience, strong knowledge of transportation safety, and the ability to train and coach teams in a fast-paced distribution environment.

The Coordinator manages the organizational safety program and performs periodic on-sight inspections, this includes but it not limited to AIB International Food Safety audits, Network Activity Report (NAR) for Feeding America, building licenses, and warehouse inspections.  Researches and stays current on Occupational Health and Safety legislation, Safety Management, Food Safety and Facility safety management and incorporates with process, policy, and educational training. Certifications if applicable.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive safety management program across all operational departments.
• Establish safety policies, SOPs, and training standards.
• Lead organization-wide safety initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Promote a culture of safety accountability at all levels.
• Oversee safety compliance in:
  • Forklift and powered industrial truck operations
  • Pallet racking systems
  • Material handling procedures
  • Dock safety and traffic flow
  • Cold storage environments
• Conduct regular safety audits and facility walk-throughs.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safety equipment.
• Monitor OSHA compliance and documentation.
• Assist with AIB preparation and inspection
• Oversee driver safety programs, including defensive driving standards.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations (if applicable).
• Review driver qualification files and certifications.
• Investigate vehicle incidents and recommend corrective actions
• Monitor telematics, driver performance, and accident trends
• ​​​Partner with Facilities to ensure safe building conditions.
• Monitor fire safety systems, emergency exits, and evacuation plans.
• Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations.
• Oversee hazard communication and chemical storage compliance.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for:
  • Warehouse staff
  • Drivers
  • Facilities personnel
  • Volunteers
• Conduct forklift certification and re-certification programs.
• Lead new hire safety orientation.
• Facilitate refresher and corrective training as needed.
• Maintain training records and compliance documentation.
• Builds and maintains working partnerships with other departments, outside vendors, etc. to ensure the organization meets and exceeds safety standards.
• Lead accident and near-miss investigations.
• Conduct root cause analysis.
• Develop corrective action plans.
• Track and report safety metrics and trends.
• Manage workers’ compensation coordination with HR.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including:
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) (if fleet operations apply)
  • Local fire and health department requirements
  • Food safety handling requirements
• Maintain all safety documentation, inspection logs, and audit records.
• Develop and present monthly safety reports to the COO.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, Occupational Health, Operations, or related field preferred.
• OSHA certification (OSHA 30 minimum; OSHA 500 preferred).
• Forklift trainer certification preferred.
• DOT compliance knowledge strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in warehouse, logistics, or distribution operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading safety programs in a high-volume warehouse environment.
• Experience in transportation or fleet safety management.
• Proven ability to train and coach frontline operational staff