Safety Lead

Job Title: Safety Lead (Operations)

Position Summary:

The Safety Lead (Operations) plays a critical role in supporting and reinforcing the company’s safety program across all operational areas. This position works directly with supervisors and employees to ensure safe work practices are followed, compliance requirements are met, and safety remains a daily operational priority.

This role serves as a key point of contact for safety in the field and assumes safety leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Safety Manager. The Safety Lead (Operations) helps drive accountability, reduce risk, and promote a culture where safety is owned by all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Safety Leadership:

• Maintain a visible presence in the yard and operational areas to reinforce safe work practices
• Partner with supervisors to ensure safety expectations are consistently followed
• Address unsafe behaviors in real time and escalate concerns as needed

Safety Program Execution:

• Support implementation and ongoing maintenance of safety policies and procedures
• Reinforce company safety standards through daily engagement with employees
• Serve as acting safety lead when the Safety Manager is unavailable

Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and applicable state regulations
• Maintain accurate safety records, including incident reports, inspections, and training logs
• Assist with audits, regulatory inspections, and reporting requirements

Incident Management:

• Respond to workplace incidents and assist with investigations
• Document findings and partner with leadership on corrective actions
• Track trends and recommend proactive solutions to reduce risk

Training & Communication:

• Conduct new hire safety orientations and ongoing safety training
• Lead toolbox talks and reinforce key safety topics
• Communicate safety expectations clearly and consistently across teams

Inspections & Risk Prevention:

• Perform routine inspections of equipment, vehicles, and work areas
• Identify hazards and ensure timely corrective action
• Monitor and enforce proper use of PPE

Driver & Equipment Safety:

• Support driver safety and DOT compliance requirements
• Assist with coordination of drug and alcohol testing, MVR reviews, and safety checks

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2+ years of experience in safety, industrial operations, or related field
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and safety best practices
• Experience in manufacturing, recycling, construction, or transportation preferred
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence and hold others accountable in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Certifications:

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• First Aid/CPR certification
• DOT compliance knowledge

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and field work in an active industrial setting
• Regular exposure to heavy equipment, outdoor conditions, and operational hazards
• Must be able to walk job sites and perform physical inspections

Schedule:

• Monday through Friday, with flexibility based on operational needs
• Ability to support multiple shifts and respond to incidents as needed

Key Success Factors:

• Strong field presence and engagement with employees
• Consistent enforcement of safety standards
• Effective partnership with supervisors and operations
• Proactive identification and mitigation of risk

Pay is based on experience.