Job Details

Safety Manager

To establish and maintain safety management systems, policies and procedures and integrate them into the operations of the organization by maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish a proactive safety culture for the Corporation and its contractors. Ensure maintenance, reporting, assessment and communication of safety records and statistics.
• Conduct regular audits of the Corporation and contractor operations for compliance and record keeping; coordinate safety training for management, supervisory and operations personnel; actively participate in all simulated and actual emergency and spill response drills and planning; coordinate accident investigations and subsequent reporting and follow up with management and others, as appropriate; ensure that worker safety and operating safety are fully integrated into all ARRC activities and programs, and that safety is monitored and measured through testing, training, independent internal audit, and impartial investigation of incidents
• Coordinate the planning, development, and implementation of programs to meet Corporation safety and workplace cultural and environment objectives including accident/incident procedures and other pertinent manuals; investigate accidents as required; develop and manage an effective safety program that reduces injuries and incidents, and provides the Corporation with measurable performance standards related to safety.
• Provide direction and guidance to subordinate staff to ensure that applicable ARRC programs meet high industry standards for consistency and content and that the ARRC's prevention programs meet high standards and optimize ARRC's operational readiness posture.
• Ensure that the ARRC meets or exceeds all applicable federal, state and local safety regulations; analyze existing and new legislation; anticipate future legislation; interpret standards; enforce adherence to regulations; advise management on needed actions.
• Provide advice and direction to department heads in safety performance.
• Lead the response of hazardous materials spills, determine hazardous impact, and recommend corrective action. Responsible for updating and maintaining ARRC's Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
• Participate in the development and implementation of contingency plans and other procedures necessary to meet emergencies and natural disasters; participate in the development and oversight of Emergency Response Plan procedures that effectively address and protect employee and passenger safety during emergencies.
• Represent the corporation by preparing strategies, assembling data, and presenting information at meetings and to the news media.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.
• May be required to participate in Incident Command exercises and activities.

Factor 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge

Strong leadership skills are required in order to set corporate direction and vision for health and safety of employees and the work environment. Requires broad knowledge of railroad operating practices and recordkeeping; practical knowledge of methods used in the installation, maintenance, or manufacture of railroad equipment, signal systems or track; knowledge of safety practices applicable to the railroad industry and related laws, regulations, and standards; and knowledge of the investigative techniques used in determining the cause of accidents. Must have knowledge of the economic and operating considerations, as well as the safety and health concerns involved in designing, constructing and maintaining track and equipment. Must have a practical knowledge of the reactions of hazardous commodities to various environmental conditions and of safe procedures for containing or controlling fires, hazardous material spills, explosions or leaks of these materials. Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision. Must have a valid driver's license.

Factor 2: Analytical Skills and Impact

Ability to apply the above knowledge to determine the best methods and approach to design effective safety programs, conduct investigations, and obtain compliance with Federal regulations. Ability to analyze accident and illness data, statistics, reports, applicable legislation and job hazards to design appropriate education activities. Skill in reading blueprints, specifications and diagrams. Ability to determine employee and supervisor training and education needs to reduce or eliminate potential accident related loss and the establishment of procedures to accomplish this objective. Ability to assess environmental conditions to minimize adverse effects on the safety and occupational health of individuals and to determine compliance with Federal safety and occupational health standards.

Factor 3: Supervision and Control

Has authority to direct work activities to protect safety and health of employees and the public. Supervises professional staff. Incumbent is responsible for an annual budget for the system-wide safety programs. May be called upon to act as on-scene Commander in response to emergencies.

Factor 4: Communication

Contacts are with ARRC personnel, ARRC Board of Directors, federal, state and local government agency personnel, officials, compliance agencies and police and fire officials, citizen's groups, representatives of the news media and insurance investigators. Contacts are for the purpose of gaining or imparting information, gaining compliance and cooperation, or interviewing witnesses. Incumbent must use tact, persuasiveness and technical expertise to gain the confidence of contacts and resolve disagreements in the best interest of the ARRC.

Factor 5: Working Conditions

Along with Corporate office environment, the incumbent regularly visits railroad yards, track roadbed, or accident sites so the work involves considerable walking, bending crouching and stretching. The work requires exposure to railroad tracks, yards and repair shops where there is noise, dust, grease and moving cars and machinery. During inspections or investigations, the incumbent is exposed to a variety of weather conditions and other environmental discomforts. Required to wear personal protective equipment. May be required to respond to hazardous material situations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Safety or an environmental related field with an emphasis in railroad industrial safety. (Professional experience in occupational, environmental or industrial safety programs may substitute for the degree on a year for year basis.)

Work Experience: Eight (8) years of experience in the management of occupational or industrial safety programs.

Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge of personal computers using word processing and spreadsheet software.

Possess excellent communication skills, be self-motivated, able to exercise sound judgment and conceive proactive plans.

Certification/License Requirements: Qualify to perform as a member of the Incident Management and Spill Response Team.

Have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with a railroad is highly preferred.