SAFETY SPECIALIST - CASTROVILLE, CA

The Safety Specialist coordinates and ensures the implementation of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), conducts health and safety training, investigates injuries and their root causes and recommends corrective action(s), and effectively monitors, tracks, and processes activity related to workers’ compensation (WC) claims management. This role requires a strong presence at all our field, cooler and plant operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordination and administration of company safety management system (SMS) to include, but not limited to, the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Emergency Action Plan & Evacuation Procedures, Hazard Communication, Tractor Safety, Forklift Safety, 1st Aid/CPR, and Incident & Injury Response and Procedures
• Develop, conduct, and facilitate health and safety trainings. Travel to and attend various site location safety trainings and tailgate meetings to support operations and promote health and safety awareness
• Conduct on-boarding safety orientations and develop/prepare respective materials
• Ensure health and safety trainings are properly documented and recorded
• Perform periodic site inspections and evaluations, annual safety compliance audits, and assist with governmental inspections and third-party audits to include customer social responsibility audits
• Investigate injuries and incidents, identify root causes, determine corrective and/or preventative action and ensure all described actions are completed
• Measure and track statistical information regarding safety performance, provide monthly and/or periodic reports; and communicate trend analysis
• Assist in the preparation of monthly safety board meeting agenda. Attend safety board meetings and facilitate board meetings as requested
• Conduct comprehensive post-injury investigations and due diligence for workers' compensation (WC) claims
• Administer WC claim policies practices and procedures and maintain successful partnerships with third party administrators
• Effectively manage post injury return-to-work program, including interactive process with injured workers to facilitate the appropriate and effective handling of their claim

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is highly preferred
• Minimum of three years’ experience in safety and employee relations, preferably in an agricultural environment. Strong knowledge of current OSHA regulations, IIPP and employment labor law compliance requirements
• Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish is required. This includes reading, writing legibly and communicating clearly and concisely
• Must be able to communicate issues in a constructive manner and handle difficult and/or confidential situations in a professional and confidential manner
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications is required
• Ability to work with and manage a high level of detailed and confidential information; ability to identify and resolve complex problems
• Excellent presentation, analytical, and decision-making skills; ability to learn new duties with minimal repetition; resourceful, well organized, and flexible
• Self-motivated and ability to work with limited supervision; must be able to work both independently and as part of a team; able to work in a dynamic environment and capable of managing multiple high visibility projects simultaneously
• Valid class “C” California Driver’s license is required and must be insurable

• Ability to travel and work at our remote areas – Castroville (Oxnard, Coachella and other areas) required