Position Summary
The Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing workplace safety programs within a meat processing facility. This role ensures compliance with OSHA, USDA, and company safety standards while promoting a strong safety culture across all departments. The Safety Manager works closely with production, maintenance, HR, and leadership teams to prevent injuries, maintain regulatory compliance, and create a safe working environment for all employees. In addition the Safety Manager ensures environmental and waste water compliance.
Key Responsabilities
Safety Program Management
- Develop, implement, and maintain the facility's health and safety programs in accordance with OSHA, USDA, and company policies.
- Conduct routine plant safety inspections, audits, and assessments to identify hazards and unsafe practices.
- Lead investigations for workplace injuries, near-misses, and incidents; determine root causes and corrective actions.
- Manage fire protection alarm, suppression and compliance through third party
- Manage facility-wide safety initiatives, including PPE requirements, ergonomics programs, lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hazard communication, and machine guarding.
- Manage workers compensation, return to work program, and litigation, and vendor management for work related injuries
Training & Compliance
- Provide safety training to employees, supervisors, and leadership, including new-hire orientation.
- Maintain accurate records of safety training, incident reports, OSHA logs, and compliance documentation.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, USDA/FSIS guidelines, and relevant state and federal safety laws.
- Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations
- Prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections, customer audits, and third-party certifications.
Emergency Preparedness
- Develop and maintain emergency response plans for fire, chemical spills, ammonia systems, severe weather, and other facility risks.
- Conduct emergency drills and support crisis management planning.
- Oversee first-aid supplies, safety equipment, and coordination with emergency responders as needed.
Employee Engagement & Culture
- Build strong relationships with employees at all levels to promote a proactive safety culture.
- Lead safety committees, toolbox talks, and employee safety engagement programs.
- Encourage hazard reporting and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate and engage with external Wenger Group Safety Teams.
Data Tracking & Reporting
- Track and analyze safety metrics, KPI's, trends, injury rates, and compliance status.
- Prepare regular safety reports for leadership and participate in management meetings.
- Implement corrective actions and monitor effectiveness.
Supervision
Coach, manage, develop and direct one direct report. Provide accountability, training, and performance goals.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Environmental Health, Industrial Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
- 3+ years of experience in workplace safety, preferably in manufacturing or food processing.
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, safety standards, and incident investigation methods.
- Waste Water and Environmental Knowledge
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, cold-temperature production environment.
- Ability to travel up to 1 hour to various locations
Preferred:
- Experience in meat processing or USDA-regulated facilities.
- Certifications such as OSHA 30
- Experience with ammonia refrigeration systems (PSM compliance).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred not required
