General Summary of Position:
The Safety Managerat SMC Packaging Group is responsible for leading all aspects of safety, health, and environmental compliance within the facility. This role ensures compliance with OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, DOT, EPA, and other applicable standards while fostering a proactive, positive safety culture. The Safety Manager will oversee the Safety & Continuous Improvement (C.I.) Technicians and the Industrial Nurse to maintain and enhance workplace safety, prevent injuries, and drive continuous improvement efforts. This position collaborates with all levels of leadership, production teams, and external regulatory agencies to develop, implement, and sustain safety programs that align with SMC’s operational goals and Lean Manufacturing principles. The Safety Manager plays a crucial role in risk assessment, training, compliance monitoring, and safety leadership across all departments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Safety Program Leadership & Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Safety & Industrial Hygiene Management Systems to reduce workplace injuries and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, NFPA, and ANSI regulations.
- Lead and manage core safety programs, including but not limited to:
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Confined Space Entry
- Machine Guarding & Material Handling
- Fall Protection & Hot Work Permitting
- Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Protection, and Ergonomics
- Hazard Communication & Emergency Response
- Oversee and/or conduct safety audits, job hazard analyses (JHAs), risk assessments, and plant inspections to maintain a safe working environment.
- Ensure the facility remains compliant with OSHA safety standardsand any corporate safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, insurance carriers, and local emergency response teams, ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements.
- Stay informed of new safety regulations and industry best practices, providing recommendations for necessary policy updates.
- Oversee the selection, maintenance, and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety gear.
Incident Investigation & Risk Mitigation
- Oversee and, when necessary, conduct in-depth investigations of workplace safety incidents, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are implemented.
- Assign and track corrective actions, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with HR on workers’ compensation case management, serving as a liaison between production and HR to facilitate return-to-work programs and injury prevention strategies.
- Lead emergency preparedness initiatives, including crisis response planning, first responder training, and fire safety procedures.
- Develop and manage safety-related recordkeeping and metrics tracking, ensuring proper documentation of incidents, training completion, and safety performance trends.
Training & Employee Engagement
- Develop and deliver safety training programs to ensure all employees meet regulatory training requirements.
- Organize and/or lead Safety Committee meetings to engage employees in workplace safety initiatives.
- Oversee and/or conduct safety orientations for new hires and oversee ongoing employee training programs.
- Act as a coach and mentor, working with employees and team leaders to enhance safety awareness and hazard recognition.
- Ensure safety training materials remain current and aligned with OSHA standards, corporate policies, and best practices.
- Develop and execute engagement initiatives that encourage employee participation in continuous improvement (C.I.) and safety-related programs.
Continuous Improvement & Culture Development
- Foster a proactive safety culture, ensuring safety is integrated into all daily operations.
- Work with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to resolve safety concerns and implement sustainable improvements.
- Support and oversee 5S and Lean Manufacturing initiatives to enhance safety, organization, and operational efficiency.
- Regularly review safety performance data and conduct trend analysis, providing recommendations for improvement.
- Lead special projects, events, and initiatives, ensuring alignment with SMC Packaging’s overall operational strategy.
- Promote a positive, collaborative approach to safety, engaging employees at all levels in continuous improvement and proactive risk mitigation.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of safety leadership experience in a manufacturing environment (corrugated, paper, or packaging industry preferred).
- Strong knowledge of OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910), NFPA, and EPA regulations.
- Experience in leading and managing safety programs in a fast-paced production environment.
- Lean/Continuous Improvement (C.I.) experience preferred, including 5S, Six Sigma, Kaizen, waste reduction, and standardized work.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to build relationships across departments and drive accountability for safety performance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to train, mentor, and engage employees at all levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for safety data tracking, reporting, and training material development.
- Experience working with worker’s compensation case management and return-to-work programs.
- Certifications such as CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or CHMM (Certified Hazardous Materials Manager) preferred.
- Working Conditions:
- This position may involve a variety of physical activities, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or walking, depending on the nature of the work. Employees may occasionally need to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and tasks may involve bending, reaching, or repetitive motions.
- The working environment may include exposure to varying temperatures, such as warehouses, or climate-controlled offices, along with moderate noise levels from equipment or machinery. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.