Senior Engineer - Occupational Safety

The Senior Engineer, Occupational Safety, working without supervision, is the site health and safety subject matter expert responsible for developing innovative solutions to occupational safety and security concerns such as hazard control and prevention, safety systems and equipment, compliance, risk, etc. with consistency in a timely manner. The role may work with other team members in the implementation of the Company’s Safety Operating System (SOS) and plant-wide safety processes such as emergency response planning, safety training, and with the application of technical standards, principles, theories, and concepts. The role would also take on project leadership to guide other team members to continuously improve occupational safety programs.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree (preferred) in Occupational Health & Safety, Safety/Health Sciences, or any other related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of occupational safety work experience with a Master’s degree or 2 years of work experience with a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Health and Safety, Occupational Safety, or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Safety Professional (Preferred)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (Preferred)
  
  Technical knowledge: Hazard identification and risk assessment; machine safety and guarding; ergonomics; LOTO/hazardous energy control; PPE; industrial hygiene; emergency preparedness; incident investigation; audits; and safety management systems.
• Tools: Approved incident/action reporting and tracking systems, audit and risk assessment tools, controlled documentation, and performance dashboards. Familiarity with site-specific systems is preferred.

Key Competencies

Effective communication; influence without authority; cross-functional collaboration; judgment and decision-making; problem-solving; organization and follow-through; adaptability; compliance and integrity; initiative, accountability, and results orientation; and the ability to train, coach, and build commitment to safety.



Guides other team members for the implementation of plant-wide safety processes including safety operating system, emergency response planning, and safety training orientations, by providing expertise on the application of occupational safety programs.

Participates in the implementation of regular inspections and audits to identify and assess workplace hazards, unsafe conditions, risks, and related issues such as safety equipment and systems, hazard identification, risk evaluation, preventive maintenance completion, etc. to ensure compliance with all federal, state, local laws, regulations and Corporate Safety and Health policies. Communicates effectively and acts as a liaison with statutory authorities, regulatory bodies, and corporate representatives.

Supports and participates in launch activities of new projects, safety/ergonomic risks for new equipment/ processes, off-standard understanding, approvals, etc., and guides engineers for their consistent implementation across responsible locations.

Consults with multiple cross-functional leaders for accident investigations and near misses, applies risk management expertise to properly identify underlying causes and guides the development and implementation of corrective actions without compromising functional integrity, intended purpose, or efficiency of the equipment, process, or procedure that posed the initial safety hazard. Facilitates and conducts presentations at health and safety meetings and participates as required in the facility operating system.

Conducts needs assessment and identifies requirements for new training programs to prevent employee injuries and illnesses and the elimination of hazards in the work environment. Assists in the oversight of employee training programs and can present safety training materials as needed.

Leads the delivery of Occupational Safety and Security projects partnering with external auditors/consultants and with other functional leaders. Leverages expertise across occupational safety and related disciplines to design creative solutions to critical safety and security issues ensuring alignment with the organization’s objectives and policies. Represents the organization as the prime contact in interactions with senior external personnel involving significant technical complexities as a part of these projects.

Designs Occupational Safety specific communications and standards in response to new and emerging occupational safety concerns to encourage the adoption of safety practices, focused on incident avoidance and regulatory compliance. Liaises with the plant and network medical, security functions, and UAW Health & Safety Representatives.

Supports and leads continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with senior leaders across Health and Safety initiatives and provides recommend updates to existing Occupational Safety function-specific policies, guidelines, programs, and procedures related to safety in the workplace, hazardous materials management, industrial hygiene monitoring, equipment safety systems, etc.

Demonstrates expertise in technical occupational safety subjects such as risk assessment and hazard identification, incident investigation, injury statistics reporting, safety program development, industrial hygiene and exposure monitoring, safety equipment and systems, etc. along with a strong understanding of related concepts and principles. Counsels and advises leaders across responsible locations with respect to safety objectives to emphasize a proactive approach to providing a safe working environment.