Safety Manager & Loss Control Specialist - Valent Group

Valent Group is a privately held independent insurance agency based in Birmingham, Alabama, with multiple Alabama branches. These offices provide all lines of insurance in partnership with specialized carriers. Valet Group has received past recognition as a Best Practices Agency by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Americas, Best Places to Work by the Birmingham Business Journal, and has the backing of EBSCO Industries, Inc., a global corporation which began in 1944 and now owns more than 20 businesses in a variety of industries.

Valent Group is looking for a new Safety Manager & Loss Control Specialist. This individual will work with the client service team and partner with clients (internal and external) to identify, evaluate, and control risks associated with its’ business.

The Safety Manager & Loss Control Specialist will also provide professional knowledge and expertise in the administration and support of environmental health and safety programs, and he/she will be responsible for the overall development and implementation of agency programs.

Primary Responsibilities (in context of external and internal clients, as applicable for all Valent Group offices):

• Plans and guides implementation of safety policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations.

• Plans and guides implementation of programs to train managers and employees in work site safety practices, fire prevention, and correct handling techniques for chemicals, toxins, equipment, and other materials.

• Prepares studies and analyses of industrial accident causes and hazards to health for use by company personnel, existing or prospective clients.

• Performs regular inspections of client workplaces to assure a safe and healthful condition for workers; prepares appropriate notices for management in regard to identified issues.

• As applicable by client, provide guidance on investigation and documentation of all accidents, injuries, and near-misses. Cooperates in the preparation of material and evidence for organization use in hearings, lawsuits, and insurance investigations. Works in close coordination with Valent Group claims personnel.

• Compiles and submits accident reports as required by EBSCO Industries leadership and regulatory agencies.

• Assists management and supervisors of clients in developing measures to prevent recurrence of accidents, injuries and near-misses.

• Works with management of clients to identify gaps and develop policies, procedures, and enforcement measures for established safety program initiatives.

• Provides guidance on the creation and updating of safety materials and documents, Emergency Response Plans, Safety Manuals, etc.

• Facilitates visits by and engages services of Property & Casualty insurers to ensure operations, asset protections, and performance meet or exceed standards set by insurance underwriters.

• Prepare routine client communications regarding new initiatives and noteworthy changes/updates to safety laws and OSHA regulations. Continuing education encouraged.

• Serves as a resource and mentor to less experienced colleagues in the office, fostering a learning spirit and confidence when dealing with clients.

• With Producers, participate as needed in visits and/or calls to current or prospective clients, promoting services and advantages of working with our agency.

• Overnight travel averaging approximately 20%-25%.

About You: In addition to your professional skills, you have a positive attitude, a curiosity directed towards continual improvement, a passion for your work and life in general, and enjoy working both in teams and independently.  Critically important are interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to be firm while also being tactful and strategic with clients.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Engineering or related field.

• Minimum 5-10 years industrial and occupational Safety experience with insurance companies, and/or directly in manufacturing, construction, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advanced Safety Professional certification required.

• Five or more years’ experience with regulatory and OSHA requirements, policies, procedures and programs.

• CPR and first aid training/certification required.

• Two or more years of experience conducting safety investigations, safety audits, safety training, safety testing and safety reporting.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Time management skills required to generate timely results as well as scheduling & balancing demands between multiple internal and external clients.

• Strong computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• CSP - Certified Safety Professional designation.

• Completion of OSHA Safety & Health Authorized Trainer Program for General Industry or Construction.

• OSHA 30 hour completion for General Industries.

• CPCU, CIC and/or ARM insurance designations.

• Experience in workers compensation processes and reporting.

• Experience in working with Property & Casualty insurance companies & claims handling protocols.

• Experience in planning and implementing fleet management safety policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations.

• Experience in employment practices liability.

EBSCO Industries, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws.  EBSCO strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

EBSCO complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law.