Kentucky Cooperage is hiring! New Wages!

🦺 Safety Specialist – Kentucky Cooperage

🌟 Position Summary

The Safety Specialist plays a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-performing workplace throughout the facility. This position leads daily safety operations, supports regulatory compliance, manages incident response and reporting, and promotes a strong culture of safety across all departments. The Safety Specialist also supports food safety and GMP initiatives while partnering with employees, supervisors, and vendors to drive continuous improvement.

🔍 Key Responsibilities

🏭 Daily Safety Oversight

• Conduct routine plant inspections, safety audits, and hazard assessments to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Monitor facility conditions, housekeeping, sanitation, and GMP compliance throughout the plant.
• Identify, document, and follow through on corrective actions for safety concerns.
• Maintain accurate daily safety records, reports, and documentation.
• Inspect and maintain emergency equipment, including eyewash stations and first-aid supplies.
• Monitor PPE inventory and coordinate replenishment of safety supplies.
• Coordinate and support site OAKS observations and safety initiatives.

🚨 Incident Management

• Manage injury reporting, documentation, and investigation processes.
• Lead accident investigations to identify root causes and implement preventive actions.
• Coordinate medical treatment, follow-up appointments, and return-to-work processes.
• Administer workers’ compensation reporting and communication.
• Track recordable incidents and support milestone reporting efforts.

📋 Safety Programs & Compliance

• Maintain and update Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, company policies, and environmental regulations.
• Support ISO 14001 awareness and environmental compliance initiatives.
• Monitor and improve safety systems, procedures, and corrective action programs.
• Promote continuous improvement in workplace safety and risk reduction.

🎓 Training & Communication

• Coordinate and deliver engaging safety training programs, including:
  • ✅ Annual safety training
  • 🚜 Forklift certification and evaluations
  • 🔒 Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training and audits
  • 🎧 Hearing conservation programs
• Organize and distribute weekly toolbox talks.
• Lead monthly safety committee meetings, document discussions, and track action items to completion.
• Foster open communication and encourage employee participation in safety initiatives.

🧰 Equipment & Supplies

• Manage safety inventory, including first-aid, janitorial, and PPE supplies.
• Coordinate required inspections, including annual crane inspections and related compliance activities.
• Oversee safety-related purchasing and maintain strong vendor relationships.

🧼 Food Safety / GMP Responsibilities

• Support and enforce daily GMP and sanitation standards throughout the facility.
• Manage and maintain the master cleaning schedule.
• Participate in food safety meetings, training, and audit preparation activities.
• Track corrective actions from food safety audits and ensure timely completion.
• Monitor chemical logs and maintain accurate reporting documentation.
• Assist with supplier surveys and food safety compliance records.

✅ Qualifications

• Experience in safety, environmental health, industrial hygiene, or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety practices required.
• Experience with GMP, sanitation, or food safety standards is a plus.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and follow through on tasks.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and interacting with employees at all levels.

💼 Work Style

• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence throughout the facility.
• Address safety concerns confidently, professionally, and proactively.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, accountability, and attention to detail.

🎁 Employee Benefits

Independent Stave Company offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

💰 Competitive Pay & Bonus Opportunities
📅 Weekly Pay
🏥 Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
❤️ Life Insurance
🩺 Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
🏖️ Paid Vacation
📚 Continuing Education Opportunities
📈 401(k) with Employer Match (50% of eligible contributions)

🌳 Our Culture

At Independent Stave Company, our people are passionate about their craft and proud of the role they play in supporting the wine and spirits industry. We are committed to producing world-class oak barrels and cooperage products while creating an environment where employees, customers, and communities thrive.

🤝 We value hard work, reliability, dedication, and teamwork.
🛡️ We are a drug-free workplace focused on communication, safety, and employee well-being.
🌟 We believe every employee plays an important role in our success.

📲 Apply Today!

Apply online at 👉 Indeed.com

Independent Stave Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.