Departmental Safety Coordinator

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The T&ES Departmental Safety Coordinator is primarily responsible for developing, evaluating, and implementing departmental safety policies and procedures. This position provides safety program leadership, oversees emergency preparedness, ensures associated regulatory compliance, conducts risk assessments and hazard identification, develops and delivers safety training, provides field safety oversight, and develops and maintains departmental safety policies, standard operating procedures, and safe work practices. The incumbent inspects work areas and associated equipment, including surprise inspections as jointly determined by the incumbent and Risk Manager. They critically review written materials such as departmental safety programs, objectives, rules, regulations, educational materials, employee training records, and previous injury reports to identify and assess actual or potential safety issues. Additional duties include preparing reports, assisting departments with report preparation, and coordinating and monitoring the return to work of employees following work-related illnesses or injuries. Tasks are performed under the general supervision of an HR Manager, Assistant or Deputy Director. The work done by T&ES keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience with industrial health and safety and loss control practices; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Collaborative and proactive safety professional with extensive knowledge of occupational safety regulations and best practices in public works, transportation, construction, and environmental services.
Trusted advisor who builds strong relationships across the organization.
Communicates effectively with employees at all levels.
Leads through influence rather than enforcement.
Analytical, solutions-oriented.
Committed to fostering a culture of safety by identifying risks, implementing practical improvements, and holding themselves and others accountable for creating a safe and healthy work environment.

Responsibilities

Lead emergency response planning, severe weather preparedness, continuity of operations, and post-incident recovery activities.
Ensure compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements. Monitor regulatory changes and update policies accordingly.
Conduct job hazard analyses, workplace inspections, and field observations to identify risks before incidents occur. Recommend corrective actions and monitor completion.
Lead investigations of employee injuries, vehicle accidents, equipment damage, near misses, and environmental incidents. Identify root causes and implement correction and preventive actions.
Develop and deliver required safety training, orientation programs, toolbox talks, and leadership training. Ensure employees maintain required certifications.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the department-wide occupational safety program that promotes a culture of safety and accountability.
Partner with managers and supervisors to build ownership of safety at every level. Promote reporting of near misses and proactive hazard identification.
Conduct routine field visits to construction sites, maintenance operations, fleet facilities, wastewater and stormwater operations, solid waste activities, and emergency response operations.
Support safe operation of commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery through inspections, operator training, and policy development.
Develop and maintain departmental safety policies, standard operating procedures, and safe work practices consistent with industry best practices.
Liaison to Risk Management Division for general liability and worker's compensation claims, subrogation cases, commercial driver's licenses medical exams, notice of violation and random drug and alcohol tests which includes communication, investigation coordination, and compilation of written responses and records.
Maintain and customize the industry-safe web-based software platform for the storage of employee safety training and professional development records, inspection and accident records, employee CDL-specific information and Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) injury and illness logs.
Serves as an advisor to the department employee safety round table that reviews accidents and injuries, crafts situational awareness statements, and trains employees to resolve problems and elevate issues that rise to the level of management.