Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Proactive Safety Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Safety Assistant, you will be the backbone of our safety operations, providing essential administrative and hands-on support to the EHS team. You will play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our employees by helping to monitor workplace conditions, coordinate safety training, maintain critical records, and respond to safety-related inquiries. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to build a foundational career in occupational health and safety, working closely with seasoned professionals to mitigate risks and foster a culture where safety is a top priority for everyone.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Graduate (Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science)
Administrative Assistant with an interest in safety
Skilled Laborer or Team Lead from a manufacturing/construction environment

Advancement To:

Safety Coordinator
EHS Specialist
Site Safety Manager

Lateral Moves:

Compliance Coordinator
Training Coordinator
Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist in conducting comprehensive safety audits and inspections of facilities, equipment, and work processes to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with OSHA and company policies.
Actively participate in incident investigations, helping to gather information, interview witnesses, and document findings to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.
Meticulously maintain and update all safety-related documentation, including training records, inspection logs, incident reports, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure regulatory compliance and data accuracy.
Coordinate and schedule safety training sessions for new hires and existing employees, including topics like hazard communication, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
Manage the inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring adequate supplies are available, conducting fit-testing, and distributing equipment to employees as needed.
Conduct regular workplace safety walkthroughs and job hazard analyses (JHAs) to proactively identify unsafe conditions and behaviors, reporting findings to the Safety Manager.
Serve as a key member of the site Safety Committee, assisting in meeting preparation, recording minutes, and tracking the progress of action items.
Assist in the development and revision of safety policies, procedures, and training materials under the guidance of senior EHS staff.
Respond to employee safety concerns and questions in a timely and professional manner, providing guidance and escalating complex issues when necessary.
Prepare and distribute routine safety communications, such as safety alerts, newsletters, and bulletin board postings, to promote awareness and reinforce safety culture.
Monitor contractor safety compliance on-site, reviewing their safety plans and observing work practices to ensure they adhere to our company's safety standards.
Assist in emergency response drills and preparedness activities, ensuring emergency equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, first aid kits) is inspected and functional.
Track and analyze safety metrics and leading/lagging indicators, preparing summary reports for management to highlight trends and areas for improvement.
Perform administrative duties for the EHS department, including data entry, filing, scheduling, and managing safety-related databases and software systems.

Secondary Functions

Support the EHS Manager in preparing for external regulatory audits and inspections by organizing documentation and coordinating logistical requirements.
Assist in the implementation and promotion of company-wide health and wellness initiatives and campaigns.
Research emerging safety regulations, industry best practices, and new safety technologies to support continuous improvement efforts.
Collaborate with other departments, such as Human Resources and Operations, to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to employee safety and health.
Participate in pre-project planning meetings to provide input on potential safety and health risks associated with new processes or equipment.
Help manage the workers' compensation claims process by gathering necessary documentation and liaising with HR and insurance carriers.
Contribute to the development of the annual EHS budget by tracking safety-related expenditures and identifying future needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Foundational knowledge of federal and state occupational safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, data tracking, and presentations.
Experience with incident investigation techniques and root cause analysis methodologies.
Ability to conduct safety inspections and risk assessments to identify workplace hazards.
Familiarity with managing and maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventories.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification is a strong plus.
Experience with safety management software (e.g., Intelex, ISNetworld, Avetta) is desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in record-keeping and reporting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey safety information clearly to a diverse audience.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
Proactive problem-solving abilities and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with employees at all levels.
Discretion and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent. An Associate's degree in a related field is often preferred.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Occupational Health and Safety
Environmental Science
Industrial Hygiene
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a safety-related role or a similar administrative support position.

Preferred: Direct experience in an industrial, manufacturing, or construction environment is highly desirable. Relevant internships or co-op experience will be strongly considered.