Safety Specialist

The Safety Specialist is responsible for the daily execution of the company’s safety and training programs, ensuring a safe work environment and full compliance with OSHA regulations and internal safety policies. This role provides hands-on safety leadership through workplace inspections, hazard identification, incident response, and training coordination. 

Serving as the on-site representative of the Corporate Safety Director, the Safety Specialist delivers practical guidance to employees and supervisors, enforces safety standards, and drives continuous improvement to support a strong “Think Safe – Work Safe” culture throughout the organization. 

Who We Are:   
 
Founded in 2016, Unified Defense has been serving our clients with high quality craftsmanship for almost 10 years. From our recent beginnings, to where we are today, serving our customers with superior products has been an unchanging goal for us. Our approach has been passed down for many years, and we are proud to serve both our customers and employees with a foundation in our core values. Without satisfied employees, we can’t serve our customers with the selfless care, ethical nature, and overall integrity we promise. We are proud to maintain an employee-focused company, where our team members feel supported and excited to come to work. We want your confidence and determination to shine in all you do - join our team today!     

Location/Schedule: Byron, GA / 1st Shift  
   
What We Offer:  

• Excellent Compensation   
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance   
• Health Savings Account   
• Life & Disability Insurance   
• Employee Assistance Program   
• Team Meetings    
• Employee Committees & Involvement   
• Bonus Incentive Program   
• Community Service Day   
• Team Events & Activities   
• Awesome Company Culture  

What You’ll Do:  

Safety Compliance & Enforcement 

• Serve as the primary on-site safety contact and resource for employees and supervisors. 
• Monitor work areas to ensure compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations. 
• Enforce PPE standards and provide coaching on proper selection, fit, and use. 
• Identify unsafe acts and conditions and ensure timely corrective action. 
• Stop work when imminent danger or serious hazards are present. 
• Escalate significant safety concerns and trends to the Corporate Safety Director. 
• Support contractor safety programs and verify adherence to company expectations. 
• Provide real-time guidance and direction on safety questions and concerns. 

Inspections, Audits & Reporting 

• Conduct routine safety inspections, behavioral observations, and risk assessments. 
• Document findings and track corrective actions through completion. 
• Monitor housekeeping standards and address deficiencies promptly. 
• Perform Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) reviews and assist with updates as needed. 
• Prepare inspection reports, safety metrics, and shift summaries for leadership. 
• Support internal and external safety audits as directed. 

Incident Response & Workers’ Compensation 

• Serve as the on-site responder for workplace injuries, near misses, spills, property damage, and other safety events. 
• Lead or assist in incident investigations and root-cause analysis. 
• Develop and track corrective and preventive actions. 
• Act as the primary company representative for workers’ compensation claims. 
• Coordinate medical treatment, follow-up appointments, and return-to-work communication. 
• Maintain detailed documentation of claim status, restrictions, and modified-duty assignments. 

Training & Development 

• Coordinate and deliver safety onboarding and new-hire orientation. 
• Schedule and conduct required safety training, toolbox talks, and refresher courses. 
• Maintain and manage the company safety training matrix, tracking requirements and completion status. 
• Develop or assist with preparation of safety related training materials, presentations, and handouts. 
• Evaluate safety training effectiveness and recommend improvements. 

Communication & Culture 

• Promote a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement. 
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees seeking safety or training guidance. 
• Participate in safety committees and cross-departmental meetings. 
• Recognize positive safety behaviors and address concerns promptly and professionally. 
• Coordinate safety initiatives across departments to ensure consistency. 

Who You Are:  

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• 3-5 years of experience in safety, training, or industrial compliance roles. 
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety practices. 
• Experience with training coordination and documentation. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 
• OSHA 10/30 or other safety certifications preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, and navigate manufacturing environments for extended periods. 
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. occasionally. 
• Ability to work in environments with heat, noise, dust, and industrial equipment. 
• Ability to wear required PPE and access all areas of the facility. 

**We kindly ask that applicants refrain from contacting the company directly regarding application status. All updates will be provided through the recruiting team.**   

Unified Defense is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.