Safety Specialist

Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Flowood (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson Farms seeks a Health & Safety Specialist to support the Health & Safety Manager in training, equipment inspection, and policy rollout to prevent injuries across the plant.

The role covers OSHA/DOT compliance, incident investigations, root-cause analysis, safety training, audits, onboarding, and safety program improvements. A bachelor's in a relevant field plus 3+ years of experience is preferred. Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 3 years of applicable safety experience in a similar environment.
• Experience applying OSHA, DOT, and Workers Compensation regulations.
• Strong computer literacy in MS Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; multilingual skills preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information and prioritize tasks with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily health & safety tasks including training and policy rollout.
• Coordinate with departments on medical, workers' comp, DOT, and process safety activities.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop, revise, and deliver safety training and conduct safety meetings.
• Lead safety audits and ensure remediation and proper paperwork.
• Conduct job hazard analyses and support emergency planning.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Multilingual

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health, Safety, Engineering, Biology or related field

Associate’s degree + 4-year substitute

First Aid & CPR certification

HAZWOPER technician training

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Health & Safety Specialist assists the Health & Safety Manager with the day-to-day tasks for the department including equipment inspection, training, and the development and roll out of policies to prevent injuries to employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Partner with internal departments to manage medical, workers compensation, DOT and Process Safety Management activities including completing required paperwork and communication with medical, legal and insurance companies to investigate and resolve incidents
• Investigate and identify root cause of significant near misses, injuries, and safety events, implement safety abatement measures, and complete all required paperwork in a timely manner; communicate unusual outcomes to appropriate personnel
• Conduct job hazard and safety analyses, recommend solutions to correct
• Work with Complex Health & Safety Manager to revise and update safety programs ensuring a compliant, safe, and incident‑free work environment
• Oversee Complex health & safety, environmental and DOT audits to ensure issues are addressed and mitigated, paperwork is completed, and unresolved or repeat issues are communicated to appropriate leader(s)
• Develop, revise, and deliver safety‑based training and hold safety meetings to promote organizational safety and continuous improvement including analyzing current and repeat incidents and developing training to correct issues
• Analyze accident data, new processes, and machinery for potential safety and recommend resolution
• Conduct New Hire orientation to ensure onboarding employees understand safety protocols, resources, and contacts within the Complex safety team
• Perform ergonomic assessments and recommend improvements as needed
• Assist with the monthly supervisor safety training matrix including gathering required data for the appropriate reports
• Understand current safety emergency plans and formulate plans for newly identified potential emergencies, maintain and execute if emergency arises
• Perform additional relevant duties as assigned

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

None. This is an individual contributor role with required competencies: Functional/Technical Skills, Action Oriented, Problem Solving, Learning on the Fly, and Interpersonal Savvy.

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health, Safety, Engineering, Biology or other relevant discipline
• Combination of Associate’s degree and experience may be substituted for 4‑year degree
• First Aid & CPR certification
• Completion of HAZWOPER training at technician level

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum three (3) years applicable experience in a similar environment
• Experience in applying OSHA, DOT, and Workers Compensation regulations
• Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Must have good communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization in a timely and professional manner; multi‑lingual strongly preferred
• Ability to handle and resolve most issues in an efficient and effective manner while ensuring confidential information is relayed only on a need‑to‑know basis
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects, planning skills, and a high attention to detail
• Must possess a strong customer‑centric attitude, high energy level and a strong sense of urgency.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
• Wear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work extended shifts (holiday, weekend and/or extended) as business need requires
• Ability to work consistently in cold/humid or hot/dusty environments with moderate levels of noise
• Ability to travel around the facility and around/under equipment as needed in performance of job duties
• Ability to frequently reach, bend, stoop, kneel and crawl in performance of job duties
• Ability to lift/move 40 lbs
• Ability to stand up to eight hours

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.