Safety & Compliance Specialist

Ashland Inc. • Hopewell, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Safety & Compliance Specialist to join our team in Hopewell, VA. This is a highly visible, significant role within the Company and the EHS&S function. This position will report to the EHS Center of Excellence. The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following: Safety Leadership & Engagement: Drive continuous safety improvement through coaching, employee/contractor engagement, and promote adherence to safety procedures. Build strong partnerships with all salaried and hourly employees, including leaders and front-line supervisors, to improve safety performance and behavior through clear communication, training, and collaborative risk management. Program Implementation & Audits: Implement RC-14001 and ACC Responsible Care initiatives, lead audits of safe work permits, participate in safety committees, inspections, and maintain a strong field presence (>50% of time). Incident Investigation & Compliance: Maintain OSHA logs, lead injury investigations using Root Cause Analysis, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Training & Development: Develop and deliver health and safety training (onboarding, refresher courses), coordinate Emergency Response Team training, and support continuing education for EMTs and ECAs. Hazard Identification & Risk Control: Recognize existing/potential hazards, develop site safety procedures, oversee industrial hygiene programs, conduct exposure assessments, ergonomic evaluations, and recommend PPE. Data Analysis & Technical Solutions: Analyze safety performance metrics, approve new chemicals/materials (including SDS review), and provide hands-on technical solutions for safety issues, programs, and processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Safety, Engineering, or related discipline. An AA degree would be considered with relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in chemical plant operations, OSHA regulations, and safety policies.
• Prior Emergency Response Team experience (preferably in a chemical manufacturing environment).
• Ability to respond appropriately during site emergencies, including weekends and callouts.
• Physical capability to work in a plant environment (walking, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling).
• Experience with fire suppression systems in a chemical manufacturing setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify critical issues, develop action plans, and foster a positive work environment.
• Knowledge of cGMP, Train-the-Trainer concepts, budgeting, and cost control methods.
• Contractor management
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to travel within Virginia and possibly nationwide.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation or willingness to obtain.
• OSHA 1910/1926 Outreach Trainer certification.
• Six Sigma certifications.
• Prior experience working with regulatory agencies and in a petrochemical plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous safety improvement through coaching, employee/contractor engagement, and promote adherence to safety procedures.
• Build strong partnerships with all salaried and hourly employees, including leaders and front-line supervisors, to improve safety performance and behavior through clear communication, training, and collaborative risk management.
• Implement RC-14001 and ACC Responsible Care initiatives, lead audits of safe work permits, participate in safety committees, inspections, and maintain a strong field presence (>50% of time).
• Maintain OSHA logs, lead injury investigations using Root Cause Analysis, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Develop and deliver health and safety training (onboarding, refresher courses), coordinate Emergency Response Team training, and support continuing education for EMTs and ECAs.
• Recognize existing/potential hazards, develop site safety procedures, oversee industrial hygiene programs, conduct exposure assessments, ergonomic evaluations, and recommend PPE.
• Analyze safety performance metrics, approve new chemicals/materials (including SDS review), and provide hands-on technical solutions for safety issues, programs, and processes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level