Safety Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title
Safety Coordinator

Department
Safety

Reports To
 Manager

FLSA Status
☐ Exempt
☒ Non-Exempt

Employment Type
☒ Full-Time
☐ Part-Time

Position Summary

The Safety Coordinator is responsible for overseeing safety processes and personnel within the facility. This position ensures compliance with food safety regulations, safety programs, GMPs, HACCP requirements, FSMA standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements. The safety coordinator coordinates schedules, conducts inspections, manages employee performance, provides training, and promotes a safe and sanitary production environment while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Develop, implement, and maintain workplace safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine safety inspections, audits, and facility walkthroughs to identify hazards and ensure a safe working environment.
• Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, near misses, and safety concerns; document findings and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate and facilitate employee safety training programs, including new hire orientation, PPE usage, forklift safety, emergency response, lockout/tagout, and hazard communication.
• Monitor compliance with company safety policies, GMPs, HACCP requirements, Food Defense programs, and food safety standards.
• Maintain OSHA logs, injury records, training documentation, safety reports, and regulatory compliance records.
• Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments to identify opportunities for hazard reduction and injury prevention.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Human Resources, and Operations departments to promote workplace safety initiatives.
• Ensure proper use and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Coordinate emergency preparedness programs, evacuation procedures, and safety drills.
• Track and monitor safety performance metrics and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assist with workers' compensation reporting, return-to-work programs, and injury management processes.
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding workplace safety concerns and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and food safety audits as required.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Essential functions reflect duties fundamental to the role and are directly related to accommodation obligations under FEHA and the ADA.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of safety experience in a manufacturing, food processing, agricultural, or industrial environment preferred.
• OSHA certification (OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience conducting safety training, incident investigations, and compliance audits preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of OSHA, Cal/OSHA, FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, and workplace safety regulations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and employee engagement skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to conduct training and communicate safety requirements effectively.
• Ability to investigate incidents, analyze data, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies, procedures, and technical documents.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and safety reporting systems.

Work Environment

• Food manufacturing and pistachio processing environment.
• Frequent exposure to production areas, warehouses, processing equipment, forklifts, and moving machinery.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Frequent interaction with employees, supervisors, managers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• May work around pistachios and other tree nut allergens.
• Requires use of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, gloves, and other required protective equipment.
• Flexible schedule may include evenings, weekends, overtime, and holiday work when necessary.

Physical Demands / ADA Functional Analysis Chart

Frequency Definitions

• Occasionally: Up to 33% of the workday
• Frequently: 34% to 66% of the workday
• Constantly: 67% to 100% of the workday