Health & Safety Specialist at Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. in McMinnville, Oregon

Job Description:

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:

• Health & Safety (H&S)




• Leads and coordinates overall safety programs. Includes developing and maintaining written safety programs; and implementing processes and training needed to meet all legal/government requirements in alignment with company needs.


• Administers effective safety and awareness programs


• Interprets and remains current on a variety of standards, laws, and regulations applicable to the locations with frequent contact with all levels of the organization.


• Acts as a technical resource responsible for maintaining specific safety programs such as contractor safety, fall prevention, illness and injury prevention programs, accident investigations, hazard communication, emergency action plan and ergonomics programs. Creates and maintains metrics to monitor performance in these areas.


• Provides a safe environment for all employees, customers and visitors.




• Operational Performance & Best Management Practices




• Prepares various safety reports


• Ensures accident investigation and incident analysis and completed in order to complete necessary corrective actions.


• Substantial time spent in field to assist operations in driving continuous improvements and compliance by making recommendations for improvements and providing risk assessments to managers and leaders of business operations.


• Responsible for developing and implementing procedures and behavioral applications that drive incident reduction.


• Provides health and safety coaching/assistance to develop managers and safety teams.




• Inventory & Quality Control




• Prepares and submits permits, reports and records to regulatory agencies on time. Maintains on-site records for all regulatory requirements and due dates.


• Produces and maintains company safety compliance calendar, with timely submittals.


• Responsible for accident investigation and incident analysis and ensuring corrective actions are completed.




• Budgeting & Forecasting




• Manages safety related vendor, e.g. safety equipment providers, consultants, contracts and budget.


• Prepares proposals and cost estimates for future work.




• Administrative Management




• Performs statistical safety information analysis


• Works with Human Resources personnel to prepare job descriptions.

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.



PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.



All U.S. applicants must be 18 years of age or older and all Canada applicants must be 16 years of age or older.


Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. participates in e-verify for all U.S. new hires.


An offer of U.S. employment by Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen and background check.


All new hires must review and sign an Arbitration Agreement. This applies to all U.S. non-union employees.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, disability status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, age, prior industrial injury, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status under local, state or federal law. Apply Now