EHS Safety Professional

LG Chem America, Inc.; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

LG Chem America, Inc. is seeking an EHS Safety Professional to lead safety programs at the Ravenna, Ohio site. The role focuses on safe, reliable, and compliant ABS compounding operations across shifts, reporting to the EHS Manager as a salaried individual contributor.

The position involves collaboration with R&D and operations to integrate safety into testing and production, with responsibilities for training, investigations, and continuous improvement of safety performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, EHS, or related field.
• 3+ years of safety experience in chemical manufacturing, plastics, or polymer environments.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations applicable to process equipment and labs.
• Authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve occupational safety and health programs at the ABS compounding facility and CSC.
• Support Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), PHA reviews, and MOC for new or modified equipment or processes.
• Perform root cause analysis and track corrective actions to closure.
• Investigate incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions; drive risk reduction.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Safety, EHS, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

"We connect science to life for a better future."

With 50,000 patents, 20,000 employees and 58 locations worldwide, LG Chem is one of the largest science and chemical companies in the world. With its rapid growth, LG Chem endeavors to become a 'Global Top 5 Chemical Company' with a balanced business portfolio that has a competitive advantage across the globe, including business divisions in petrochemicals, advanced materials, life sciences, and a subsidiary specializing in batteries.

LG Chem is a leading chemical company in Korea that has continuously achieved growth through relentless challenges and innovation since its establishment in 1947. From the infrangible facial cream lid to the world’s most advanced batteries, LG Chem has turned dreams into reality and enriched our lives for 70 years. Building upon a balanced and globally competitive business portfolio, LG Chem manufactures a wide range of products from high-value added petrochemicals to renewable plastics, specializing in cutting-edge electronic and battery materials such as cathodes, as well as drugs and vaccines to deliver differentiated solutions for its customers.

Beyond a chemical company, LG Chem will become a leading science-oriented corporation that creates value for our customers and is committed to reaching carbon-neutral growth by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 by managing the impacts of climate change and making positive contributions to society through renewable energy and responsible supply chains.

Basic Function:

The EHS Safety Professional supports LG Chem’s commitment to safe, reliable, and compliant ABS compounding operations by leading and maintaining occupational safety and health programs at the ABS Compounding Facility and Customer Solution Center (CSC), including pilot-scale and laboratory environments.

This role reports to the EHS Manager and is a salaried, individual contributor position with no direct supervisory responsibility. The position requires a strong field presence, technical safety expertise, and the ability to influence safety performance across all shifts and functions. This position also supports alignment with Corporate and Global EHS management system requirements. In addition to primary role responsibilities, this position is expected to support broader EHS functional areas—including Safety, Environmental, and Industrial Hygiene—as needed to support overall site and department EHS goals and objectives. The position is based in Ravenna, Ohio.

Safety Programs & Compliance

• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve workplace safety programs aligned with:
• OSHA regulations
• LG Chem Corporate and Global EHS Management System requirements
• Responsible Care® and site‑specific standards
• Exercise stop‑work authority and authority to require corrective actions when unsafe conditions or behaviors are identified.
• Support enforcement of site safety rules, permit systems, and safe work practices.

Manufacturing & Process Safety

• Support safe operation and maintenance of:
• Mixers, blenders, feeders, and pelletizers
• Conveying systems, vacuum pumps, utilities, and warehouse equipment
• Lead or support Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), process hazard reviews (including HAZOP), and Management of Change (MOC) for new or modified equipment, materials, or processes.
• Ensure compliance with:
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• Confined space
• Electrical safety (NFPA 70E)

CSC & Laboratory Safety

• Support safety programs for CSC laboratory, testing, and pilot‑scale equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to integrate safety requirements into testing activities without hindering innovation.
• Lead and support incident, near‑miss, and unsafe condition investigations.
• Perform root cause analysis and track corrective and preventive actions to closure.
• Analyze injury trends and leading indicators to drive proactive risk reduction.

Training & Safety Culture

• Develop, deliver, and coordinate general and specialized safety training programs.
• Conduct classroom‑style instruction and field‑based training for employees and contractors.
• Support safety onboarding and ongoing engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrate ethical leadership and proactive problem‑solving in alignment with Jeong-Do Management principles.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Experience / Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, EHS, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 3+ years of safety experience in chemical manufacturing, plastics compounding, polymer processing, or similar industrial environments.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations applicable to process equipment, industrial machinery, and laboratory operations.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NFPA requirements (life safety, electrical safety).
• Experience with LOTO, confined space, combustible dust, hot work, and contractor safety programs.
• Experience supporting ISO‑style or EHS Management Systems.
• Familiarity with RC14001 / Responsible Care®.
• Professional certification (ASP, CSP, GSP) or progress toward certification.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Primarily day shift; occasional off‑shift or weekend work required to support training, investigations, and operational needs.
• Travel: Limited local travel may be required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.