The Safety Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive safety program that ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture across the facility. This role is critical to minimizing workplace risk, preventing injuries, and ensuring safe operations in a high-volume manufacturing and warehouse environment.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Program Leadership
- Design, implement, and continuously improve site-wide safety programs, policies, and procedures
- Lead safety initiatives aligned with company objectives for quality, productivity, and on-time delivery
- Serve as the subject matter expert on workplace safety and regulatory compliance
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and all applicable regulations
- Maintain accurate records for OSHA logs, incident reports, and compliance documentation
- Prepare for and manage audits, inspections, and regulatory visits
Risk Management & Hazard Prevention
- Conduct routine safety audits, risk assessments, and job hazard analyses (JHAs)
- Identify unsafe conditions and behaviors, and implement corrective actions
- Partner with Maintenance and Production to ensure machine guarding, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and equipment safety standards are met
Incident Management
- Lead investigations for all workplace incidents, near misses, and safety concerns
- Determine root cause and implement corrective and preventive actions
- Track and report safety metrics, trends, and KPIs to leadership
Training & Development
- Develop and deliver safety training programs, including onboarding, refresher training, and compliance topics
- Ensure all employees are trained and certified where required (forklift, PPE, LOTO, etc.)
- Promote continuous safety awareness through communication, coaching, and engagement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with HR, Operations, Maintenance, and Logistics to embed safety into all processes
- Support onboarding and ensure all new hires meet safety requirements prior to starting
- Collaborate with staffing agencies to ensure compliance with pre-employment safety standards
Emergency Preparedness
- Develop and maintain emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and drills
- Coordinate response to workplace emergencies and ensure proper documentation
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or related field preferred
- 5+ years of safety experience in manufacturing, warehouse, or industrial environments
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis
- Ability to influence behavior and drive accountability at all levels of the organization
Preferred
- Professional certifications such as CSP, ASP, or OSHA 30
- Experience in high-growth or startup manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with automated systems, racking systems, or material handling equipment
Key Competencies
- Leadership and accountability
- Risk assessment and critical thinking
- Strong communication and training ability
- Attention to detail with a proactive mindset
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Working Conditions
- Exposure to a manufacturing and warehouse environment with moving equipment and varying temperatures
- Must be able to walk the floor, conduct inspections, and respond to incidents in real time