Safety Specialist

Responsible for implementation of Cranemasters safety program within a designated region/division or as assigned to a functional area including: Trainer. Investigator, Compliance Monitor/Inspector, etc. Leads safety initiatives and program compliance through demonstration and personal commitment to safety (i.e. leads by example, wears PPE, identifies risks and initiates corrective actions).
Ensures that all activities are carried out in a safe, effective, professional, and efficient manner to protect employees, customers, and the assets of the Company.
Essential Functions:
1. Conduct regular safety inspections and audits at job sites, identifying potential hazards, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
2. Responds to high-profile jobs conducting on-site safety reviews; develop and implement plans for assurance of workplace safety throughout the project. Interacts with customer representatives as well as other emergency response and/or regulatory agencies.
3. Assist in investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, analyzing root causes, and recommending corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.
4. Become familiar with and ensure compliance of Cranemasters policies/procedures at the division/department level through observation and audits.
5. Deliver safety training programs to new and existing employees, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, covering topics such as hazard identification, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, emergency response, and more.
6. Takes initiative to stay abreast of new/changing laws/rules/regulations, trends, best-practices, training programs, training delivery methods and safety awareness programs. Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance technical knowledge and develop management, leadership and communication skills.
7. Provide guidance to managers, supervisors, and field personnel regarding safe work practices and risk mitigation strategies.
8. Attends training, seminars, and meetings on safety.
9. Assists department managers and supervisors in enforcing safety rules, policies, and procedures.
10. Other duties as assigned.
Requires Travel 75% for work-related travel to/from job sites, other Cranemasters locations, training, seminars, and meetings.
Required Skills and Experience:
1. Degree in Occupational Safety, Risk Management or related field. Minimum of five years’ hands-on experience implementation/manage of a comprehensive safety program, training techniques, working knowledge of risk management, techniques of accident prevention, and the laws/regulations applicable to employee safety and occupational health. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
2. Ability to gather, organize, and analyze data as needed for the investigation of accidents/incidents/exposures in order to evaluate complex safety problems and produce accurate/succinct reports on a timely basis.
3. Strong and proactive communication skills.
4. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Products Suite and related or similar software as well as other programs regularly used in the execution of duties.
5. Ability to research, plan/develop and present safety training programs.
6. Knowledge of multi-state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to safety and health.
7. Demonstrated abilities in crisis management. Ability to analyze complex problems, exercise good judgment, and develop creative/effective/efficient solutions.
8. Ability to demonstrate alignment with company culture and values.
9. Team player with the ability to participate in planning processes and work with others to meet goals and objectives.
10. Must project a positive and professional image to customers, co-workers, and the general public.
11. Good driving record; must reflect a total accumulation of no more than five negative points within the past three years, or a major violation within the past three years.
12. Able to read, write and speak English.
13. Must pass qualification tests as required (includes: ERail Safe and other training/safety programs).
14. Must meet 24/7 availability to respond to emergency calls for service including weekends and holidays.
Physical Demands:
1. Work is performed while standing, sitting, and/or walking; periodic walking on uneven surfaces and in ballast.
2. Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
3. Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching.
4. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull light weights.
5. May be exposed to inclement weather conditions.
6. Working extended hours.
7. Nature of work and associated responsibilities are often performed under stressful conditions.
8. Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
Cranemasters is a 24/7 emergency service provider to the railroad industry and as such The Director of Risk Management & Employee Health and Safety is subject to call-in/call-back on a 24/7 basis. In addition, this position requires that employees work outside of their normal work hours including nights, weekends and/or holidays.