Environmental Health Safety Specialist

Employment Type: Salaried
Shift: First
Work Arrangement:  Onsite 

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordination of all safety and environmental programs and activities at the facility and also for maintaining OSHA log and all workers’ compensation activities. This position interfaces with site personnel, vendors and regulatory agencies to ensure facility is 100 percent compliant and inspection ready with OSHA, EPA, IEPA, and DOT requirements at all times.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining OSHA compliance at facility which includes planning, scheduling and implementing necessary programs and training. Development and maintenance of safety procedures, training documentation and other related information. Represents facility in working with OSHA. Maintain environmental, health and safety assigned programs; including a variety of software applications.
• Review and update emergency evacuation routes and conduct preparedness drills for the entire plant
• High emphasis on accident prevention and behavior based safety programs. Develops JSAs and safe operation procedures for all processing equipment. Develops, implements, and monitors all training aspects for the facility including food safety, GMPs and safety training programs. Conducts ergonomic assesstments and works to reduce ergonomic issues
• Updates permit activity such as storm water permits, air quality permits, wastewater permits and others. Maintains the facility Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Spill Prevention Control Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan to include sampling as required. Knowledgeable in wastewater pre-treatment activities
• Responsible for maintaining OSHA 300 logs. Supports and coordinates all activities related to industrial clinic and initial reporting of workers’ compensation claims. Works in conjunction with HR on claim management
• Responsible for EPA form completion and filing. Maintains DMRs, Tier II forms, Form R, medical waste, and other miscellaneous documents. Proper management of documents for EPA inspections/audits. Responsible for maintaining environmental database
• Schedules and conducts monthly safety meetings with safety committee. Facilitates the activities of the safety committee. Documents safety meeting minutes and distributes to all management personnel, coupled with resolutions and feasibility of solutions requested. Ensures Contractor Safety Management program is effectively implemented
• Develops and submits Request for Expenditures (RFE) for EHS projects. Reviews all RFEs for possible EHS impacts. PM for capital projects involved with safety and/or environmental concerns
• Maintains facility SDS / GHS information. Update, monitor and integrate any necessary information into the 3E Online program. Conduct monthly audits of potentially hazardous materials. Works closely with the property insurance carrier to meet policy requirements. Serves as plant representative for insurance activities
• Stays current with new safety/environmental mandates, laws and regulations. Develops new safety and environmental policies for the facility as situations present themselves. Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned; travel may be required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Industrial Management or equivalent experience
• 5 years of experience in Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Industrial Management
• Experience with behavior based safety programs required

Knowledge and Skills:

• Competent and knowledgeable in OSHA, EPA and other regulatory requirements in a manufacturing setting. Knowledgeable in the principles of safety, workers' compensation along with pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. Skilled in risk assessment and analysis of potential hazards
• Excellent written and verbal skills coupled with good computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people and facilitating meetings
• Must be people oriented and have the ability to interface with employees at all levels of the organization

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.