Safety Director

DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARY:In this role, the Safety Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing SME Industries comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) program across all fabrication and logistics operations. This includes multiple steel fabrication shop locations and a logistics division.This role ensures full compliance with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910 & 1926), DOT regulations, EPA environmental requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Safety Director will lead company-wide policies and procedures designed to reduce risk, prevent workplace injuries, improve safety culture, and ensure environmental compliance across all facilities.The position works closely with executive leadership, shop management, project managers, and logistics leadership to ensure safety and compliance are integrated into all aspects of SME Industries operations.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Safety LeadershipDevelop, implement, and maintain the company's Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Programs.Provide safety leadership and direction across all fabrication facilities and logistics divisions.Establish and maintain company safety policies aligned with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) and 29 CFR 1926 (Construction) standards.Lead initiatives to reduce TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate), LTIR (Lost Time Incident Rate), and EMR (Experience Modification Rate).Serve as the primary HSE resource for safety compliance, risk management, and regulatory interpretation for all fabrication and logistics operations.Shop Safety Oversight (SME Steel Contractors, CoreBrace, & Southwest Steel Fabrication Facilities)Oversee safety programs for all fabrication shop locations, including:-Welding operations-Cutting and grinding-Overhead crane operations and Material handling-Machine guarding-Confined space operations-Lockout/Tagout programs-Respiratory Protection programEnsure compliance with applicable OSHA General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910), including:-PPE programs-Hazard communication-Respiratory protection-Welding and hot work-Silica exposure controls-Industrial hygiene monitoringConduct and coordinate shop safety audits, hazard assessments, and corrective action programs.Transportation & Logistics SafetyOversee safety compliance for company logistics operations, including company drivers and equipment operators.Ensure compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations related to commercial vehicle operations.Implement and manage programs, including:-Driver safety training-Vehicle inspection programs-Load securement compliance-Fleet safety monitoringCoordinate with logistics management to reduce transportation-related risk and incidents.Environmental ComplianceOversee environmental compliance across all company operations, including fabrication facilities and job sites.Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local EPA, DEQ, and DAQ regulations and requirements, including:-Hazardous material management-Air quality regulations-Waste disposal compliance-Stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP)-Spill prevention and responseCoordinate environmental inspections and maintain regulatory reporting requirements.Safety Training & DevelopmentDevelop and implement comprehensive employee safety training programs.Ensure employees receive training required under OSHA and company policies, including:-Hazard recognition-PPE usage-Equipment safety-Fall protection-Confined space entry-Emergency response proceduresMentor and develop site safety coordinators and safety managers across the company.Incident Investigation & Risk ManagementLead investigations of workplace incidents, injuries, near misses, and environmental events.Identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for regulatory compliance.Coordinate with insurance carriers, risk management teams, and leadership when necessary.Partner with Human Resources as applicable when personnel issues arise.Safety Audits & Continuous ImprovementConduct regular safety inspections and audits at all fabrication and logistics facilities.Track corrective actions and ensure timely resolution of safety concerns.Utilize data and safety metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Support implementation of behavior-based safety programs and safety culture initiatives.QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (preferred).10+ years of safety management experience in heavy industry, steel fabrication, construction, or a similar industrial environment (required).Strong working knowledge of:-OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926-Steel fabrication and erection operations-Crane and rigging safety-Industrial hygiene principles-Environmental compliance requirementsExperience managing safety programs across multiple facilities and job sites.Professional certifications preferred:-CSP - Certified Safety Professional-CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician-OHST - Occupational Health and Safety Technician-ASP - Associate Safety ProfessionalMust have a valid driver's license.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the official Company doctor and clinic.Ability to sit for extended periods of time while working at a desk or computer, with regular use of hands and fingers for typing, using a computer mouse, and handling documents.Occasional lifting and moving files, supplies, or materials, typically up to 40 pounds.Ability to travel to shop locations on a regular basis.Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time in fabrication shop environments.WORK ENVIRONMENT:Primarily works in a standard office environment with minimal exposure to temperature changes.Main office and fabrication shop visits are expected two days weekly, at minimum.Shop visits as needed will include industrial manufacturing environments with heavy machinery, forklifts and overhead cranes.Shop visits are required bi-weekly at a minimum; visits will depend on individual shop safety performance.Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such head protection, eye protection, and steel-toed footwear in designated areas.EEO: