Safety Assistant

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description

Michael Foods, Inc. located in Lenox, Iowa and often called the "Pearl of the Prairie" is where you can find small town living, focused on family and friends, with big city amenities not far from reach in Des Moines, Omaha, and Kansas City. Located in southwest Iowa, Taylor county, with a population of around 1400, the Lenox area reaches far beyond the city limits with beautiful and productive fields of corn, beans, and other croplands. Lenox holds an amazing four day Rodeo every July and is home to a beautiful 36-9 hole golf course, several fishing and boating lakes, great area hunting, a beautiful city park with swimming pool, and many picnic parks. The MFI location in Lenox produces primarily pre-cooked egg patties. With its friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and progressive spirit, Lenox is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Safety Manager/Supervisor, this role supports the facility’s safety programs,
compliance efforts, training initiatives, and recordkeeping while reinforcing workplace safety as a core value. 

This position provides foundational experience in OSHA regulations, audits, risk assessment, and 
employee safety engagement, offering hands-on exposure to safety leadership responsibilities. By
actively contributing to data tracking, safety observations, and SRMP team participation, the Safety
Assistant ensures alignment with company-wide safety objectives and regulatory compliance. The role
also provides critical administrative and operational support, preparing employees for advancement
within MFI’s safety leadership structure.

This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an
obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities,
related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce
product and process variability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage, process, and maintain safety records, ensuring documentation is accurate, compliant,
and accessible for use by the Safety Office and SRMP element teams.
• Facilitate data entry into safety management platforms (Intelex) to track safety observations,
audits, and training compliance.
• Conduct workplace safety audits and inspections, supporting risk identification and corrective
action planning.
• Assist in safety training sessions, tracking attendance and ensuring employees receive required
compliance education.
• Support incident investigations, compiling reports and assisting in identifying corrective
measures for unsafe conditions and behaviors.
• Ensure contractor adherence to workplace safety guidelines during site projects.
• Participate in safety-related committees and SRMP element teams, contributing to compliance
initiatives.
• Distribute PPE and safety materials, ensuring employees have proper protective equipment.
• Provide administrative support to the Safety Manager/Supervisor, including documentation
updates and compliance tracking.
• Assist in Behavior-Based Safety (BBSO) initiatives, conducting observations and tracking data to
improve safety performance.
• Travel occasionally to assist with safety audits, training, and compliance efforts across MFI
facilities.
• Fill in for the Safety Manager/Supervisor when necessary, ensuring continuity in safety
oversight.
• Accountable for a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and
procedures and, incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Adhere to Quality work practices, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that
product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may
adversely affect food safety and quality.
• Perform other safety-related duties as assigned, including working flexible shifts, weekends,
and overtime as required.

CAREER PROGRESSION:
The Safety Assistant is an entry-level position designed as the first step in MFI’s Safety Career Path,
leading to roles such as:
• Safety Supervisor
• Safety Manager
• Regional Safety Manager

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or two-year technical training
preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in health and safety within a manufacturing environment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
• Bilingual in Somali or Spanish.
• Experience facilitating basic safety meetings and engaging employees in compliance efforts.
• Previous involvement in risk management and workplace safety programs.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards and adult learning principles related to safety training.
• Ability to obtain OSHA 10-hour certification within 180 days of employment.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED or First Responder certification within 180 days of
employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to train and present basic
safety concepts effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, ensuring efficient recordkeeping and compliance reporting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret safety data from inspections, audits, and incident reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and safety
management systems (Intelex).
• Experience assisting with incident investigations and compliance monitoring.
• Ability to work with employees from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
• Capability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects effectively.