Safety Specialist

Chefs Warehouse•Chicago, IL

10d

About The Position

The Warehouse Safety Specialist will play a pivotal role in fostering a safe and compliant work environment across our warehouse locations. This position is ideal for a dynamic leader with strong communication skills and a passion for promoting workplace safety. The Safety Specialist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving safety policies, procedures, and programs that align with local, state, and federal regulations. They will lead safety training initiatives, conduct risk assessments, and collaborate with department leads to cultivate a proactive safety culture. While prior safety management experience is a plus, we value strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to learning. We will provide full support for obtaining safety certifications and developing expertise in regulatory compliance. This role requires a hands-on, solutions-driven leader who can effectively engage employees, manage safety programs, and respond decisively to workplace incidents, ensuring a secure and productive environment for all team members.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in safety , operations, or a related field preferred. Relevant operational experience in warehouse environments will be considered.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Experience working with union population preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Ability to learn and adapt to safety regulations and standards (OSHA knowledge is a plus).
Company will provide full support for obtaining required safety certifications.
Exceptional communication and training skills to engage all levels of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Preferred certifications: Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST).

Responsibilities

Safety Program Development and ImplementationDevelop, enforce, and continuously improve safety policies, protocols, and procedures across all Chicago & Cincinnati warehouses.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and all relevant safety regulations.
Ensure compliance with DOT and all applicable regulations.
Conduct routine safety audits and inspections, addressing any safety concerns promptly.
Training and DevelopmentOrganize, coordinate, and deliver safety training sessions for all employees, including new hire orientation and ongoing safety education.
Promote proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safe workplace practices.
Risk Assessment and Hazard ControlConduct comprehensive risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify and mitigate potential safety risks.
Develop and implement preventative safety measures to minimize workplace incidents and claims.
Incident Response and InvestigationLead immediate response efforts to workplace accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents.
Investigate safety incidents thoroughly, document findings, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Compliance and Record-KeepingMaintain accurate safety records, including incident reports, training records, and compliance documentation.
Stay up-to-date on evolving safety standards and regulations, ensuring continued compliance.
Emergency PreparednessDevelop, implement, and regularly test emergency response plans and procedures.
Train employees on emergency protocols, including fire safety, evacuation routes, and first aid.