Health and Safety Specialist

Westlake Chemical; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Safety Specialist to support the implementation of safety initiatives across assigned facilities, providing training, coaching and technical support to protect employees and assets. The role emphasizes OSHA compliance, incident prevention, and continuous safety performance improvement.

The candidate will conduct hazard assessments, lead training sessions, and collaborate with plant management to implement corrective actions and strengthen the safety culture.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Business, Environmental or Safety Management or related field, with at least 1 year of experience.
• Knowledgeable about Federal, State, fire safety, ANSI standards and workers’ compensation laws.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop training and train employees on safety subjects.
• Proficient computer skills, especially Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret written or diagrammatic instructions and apply them.

Responsibilities

• Support incident prevention and OSHA compliance programs.
• Audit facilities for conformance to safety policies and procedures.
• Assist sites in implementing Accident Prevention Plan and related policies.
• Conduct hazard assessments and follow up through closure.
• Train hourly, salary and management personnel on safety topics.
• Liaise with plant and governmental officials during inspections.
• Assist with incident investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Maintain a safe working environment and enforce safety rules.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Training development

Problem solving

Education

BS Degree in Business, Environmental or Safety Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

The position is responsible for assisting in the implementation of safety initiatives to prevent injuries, incidents and protect employee safety, health and Company assets by providing training, coaching, auditing and technical support to the facilities assigned to them.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the implementation of incident prevention and OSHA compliance programs.
• Audit facilities for conformance to all Federal, State, Corporate and Plant safety policies.
• Assist the site(s) in implementing the Accident Prevention Plan and associated health and safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct hazard assessments, make recommendations, assist in development of solutions and follow up through closure.
• Take on projects from start to finish as assigned to achieve department and business unit goals.
• Support plants in development of corrective actions from root cause analysis of incidents.
• Consult with plant management on a routine basis to facilitate and support individual plant needs to achieve goals and develop the safety culture.
• Review with Engineering and conduct appropriate reviews of proposed changes in processes or equipment to insure compliance with safety and health standards including ergonomics.
• Follow up and insure that all incidents and near misses are thoroughly investigated.
• Initiate activities that stimulate and maintain employee interest in the plant's Health and Safety programs.
• Get involved with the management of workers compensation claims to assure injured employees are properly cared for and claims are effectively managed.
• Work with plants to assure employee safety orientation and training is completed and is effective.
• Liaison with plant and governmental officials during inspections and resolution of potential issues.
• Train hourly, salary and management personnel at plant sites to elevate the safety culture and the knowledge of the organization on conformance to policies, procedures and compliance with regulations.
• Training will include new hire safety orientation as part of the onboarding process.
• Analyze incident data and provide feedback and direction to site to help them focus on key areas for improvement and the development of site Safety Performance Improvement Plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively up and down through the organization.
• Maintain a safe working environment for all employees and ensure that employees follow established safety rules to ensure the goal of zero injuries.
• Assist with incident investigations involving injuries, incidents, and near misses.
• Maintain level of quality consistent with established standards.
• Comply with established safety rules.
• Comply with company policy and procedures.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with co-workers, leads, supervisors, and managers.
• Maintain regular attendance in accordance with company policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to the satisfaction of supervisor and/or lead.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BS Degree in Business, Environmental or Safety Management or related field and minimum 1 year of experience.
• Knowledgeable in Federal, State, fire safety, ANSI standards, and general Workers’ Compensation laws.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop training and train employees on safety related subjects.
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge in Microsoft Office is required.
• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Good verbal communication is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk or hear, and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to work in the plant environments where noise, dust, material handling equipment, and machinery will be present. Employee must be able to climb ladders and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment applicable for the tasks they will be asked to perform. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to travel less than 5% of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is consistent with plant operations.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings. Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®. To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com