Safety Technician
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Safety Technician supports the daily safety operations of the beef production facility by assisting with hazard identification, employee observations, data collection, and safety program implementation. This entry-level, hourly position is ideal for individuals interested in beginning a career in safety and health within an industrial/meat processing environment. The role focuses on maintaining a strong safety presence on the floor, reinforcing company safety expectations, supporting training activities, and helping ensure regulatory and company compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily Floor Presence & Observation
- Conduct routine safety walks throughout Harvest, Fabrication, Hides, By-Products, and Support areas.
- Observe employees for safe work practices and provide on-the-spot coaching when hazards or unsafe behaviors are identified.
- Monitor use of required PPE and reinforce company safety standards.
- Assist in identifying unsafe conditions (e.g., equipment issues, housekeeping hazards, guarding concerns) and communicate findings to area leadership.
Incident & Near-Miss Support
- Assist in gathering statements, basic photos, and documentation for injuries, near misses, and property damage incidents.
- Support the Safety Manager with root cause analysis activities as requested.
- Follow up on corrective actions assigned from investigations.
Training & Communication Support
- Assist with new-hire orientation safety training sessions.
- Help deliver toolbox talks, safety reminders, and department-level safety messaging.
- Support training recordkeeping and documentation.
Documentation & Data Collection
- Perform daily/weekly safety inspections (PPE, ladders, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, workstations, etc.).
- Record and maintain accurate safety data, logs, and checklists.
- Enter safety observations, training documentation, and incident details into internal systems.
Program Support
- Support Lockout/Tagout, Chemical Safety, Walking-Working Surfaces, Machine Guarding, Ergonomics, and other applicable OSHA-related programs.
- Assist in distributing and replacing signage, labels, and floor markings.
- Participate in department and plant-wide safety meetings as required.
Other Duties
- Provide assistance during audits, inspections, and regulatory visits.
- Help maintain safety supply inventory (PPE, signs, first-aid items, etc.).
- Perform other duties assigned by the Safety Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable interacting with employees across all departments and shifts.
- Ability to learn basic OSHA safety concepts and apply them in daily tasks.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced beef production environment (cold/hot temperatures, wet conditions, PPE requirements).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism during investigations.
- Basic computer skills (email, data entry, forms, checklists).
- Willingness to be on the production floor for extended periods (8 to 9 hrs.)
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and desire to grow in the safety field.
EDUCATION:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Additional safety training or certifications (OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, etc.) preferred but not required; training provided for the right candidate.
