JOB TITLE: SAFETY SPECIALIST 1

JOB CODE: 11301

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Safety Specialist job series describes work in the administration of agency safety programs.

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the analysis, development, coordination, and implementation of transportation, workplace, or employee related safety programs.

An employee in this job serves as a safety coordinator responsible for assisting in the administration of agency safety programs. Work involves observing, inspecting, and assisting with providing technical guidance to staff on the safe methods and techniques to perform duties; assisting with developing safety related guidance documentation; organizing, monitoring, and conducting safety training; and coordinating, implementing, and assisting with the development and management of policies and procedures required to maintain effective safety programs. Work includes conducting field investigations and performing administrative duties to support the overall safety program. Work is reviewed by a Safety Specialist Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor for adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Assists with monitoring and evaluating programs on-site to ensure compliance with all components of the Accident/Injury Prevention Program (AIPP).

• Serves on the Accident Review Committee which involves investigating all catastrophic injuries and accidents and assisting with ensuring the development and implementation of corrective action plans.

• Conducts safety related training, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration Class Coordination, or seminars, workshops, and meetings to gather and distribute safety information on new programs, processes, or policies.

• Assists with providing guidance to management in developing and implementing safety related corrective actions, ensures follow up reviews of correctives actions, and aids with safety issues.

• Assists in developing and conducting presentations concerning safety policies and procedures and new hire safety training.

• Assists with developing district-wide emergency plans that align with department policies and procedures.

• Provides technical guidance to staff in field locations, stockpiles, garages, and facilities.

• Conducts field visits and safety inspections and performs critical and comprehensive safety management reviews of office sites and field facilities to ensure compliance with departmental safety requirements, applicable safety and fire codes, and department protocol.

• Analyzes inspection and accident reports, focusing on trends and problem areas for corrective actions and recommendations; and provides advice, training, and assistance on accident prevention, Right-to-Know, Globally Harmonized System, workplace hazards, fire safety, and other employee safety issues.

• Enters all inspection, accident, and injury reports in safety databases, and processes required paperwork.

• Observes highway and bridge maintenance operations, as well as garage and facilities staff, to identify hazards and communicates prevention remedies.

• Serves on safety committees and participates in meetings with management and employee representatives.

• Assists with conducting research on safety related topics and new information related to personal protective equipment.

• Assists with managing a safety program area, such as Right-to-Know, Driver’s License compliance, Commercial Drug & Alcohol Testing, or the Medical Surveillance Program.

• Assists with the coordination of District and Counties’ Safety Recognition and Safety Stand Days.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the underlying human factors and behaviors affecting safety.

• Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and techniques of administering a safety program.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting data.

• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of employee training as they relate to accident prevention, fire prevention, and safety.

• Knowledge of basic safety investigation interview procedures and techniques used to obtain information from individuals.

• Knowledge of highway maintenance or highway construction work zone safety procedures.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret safety guidelines and procedures.

• Ability to prepare technical analyses and recommendations.

• Ability to recognize and evaluate employee safety hazards.

• Ability to analyze work zone safety procedures and make recommendations for improvements.

• Ability to prepare safety investigation reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Safety Specialist Trainee program (commonwealth title);

or

• Five years of technical experience in conducting safety inspections, safety investigations, or safety training, or performing technical highway maintenance or highway construction work;

or

• One year of technical experience in conducting safety inspections, safety investigations, or safety training, or performing technical highway maintenance or highway construction work, and a bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Occupational Safety and Health Management, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions must obtain an active Advanced Safety Certificate issued by the National Safety Council’s Safety Training Institute within two years of starting in this job.