SENIOR SAFETY OFFICER 5362

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class assists in establishing policy and procedures to maintain employee safety and health standards mandated by the New York State Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health Act and/or the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. Responsibility is included for developing or otherwise providing appropriate training programs in compliance with health and safety standards. The incumbent cooperates with representatives of regulatory agencies to formulate safety and health practices, and works to correct violations. Direction is received from an administrative supervisor who evaluates performance through conferences and review of reports. Supervision may be exercised over an assisting Safety Officer and/or Safety Officer Trainee. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Notifies administrators of unsafe conditions and/or practices, and recommends remedies and/or preventive measures;

Develops and presents employee safety training programs;

Supports management and employees in implementing safety programs; participates in researching all health and safety grievances and/or complaints submitted by employees regarding possible health and safety violations;

Recommends alternative solutions to health and safety grievances and/or complaints.

Proposes legislation to remedy unsafe conditions;

Develops a schedule for medical examinations pursuant to Federal and State laws;

Oversees and participates in performing inspections of work sites that have been the subject of complaints and the taking of readings and samples for analysis;

Prepares reports which demonstrate County compliance with health and safety regulations and oversees maintenance and retention of associated records.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health Act and/or the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act standards and regulations; thorough knowledge of mediation and arbitration procedures; thorough knowledge of the proper use and availability of safety equipment, clothing and vehicles; ability to develop a good working relationship with employees, and gain their cooperation in the establishment and maintenance of a sound safety program; ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree, and four (4) years of experience in the development or implementation of employee safety or accident prevention programs, one (1) year of which must have been in performing inspections of work sites for safety violations; or,

(b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and eight (8) years of experience in the development or implementation of employee safety or accident prevention programs, three (3) years of which must have been in performing inspections of work sites for safety violations; or,

(c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Safety Officer.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

An employee in this title must possess at the time of appointment and maintain during employment any licenses and/or certifications deemed necessary for performance of duties, such as: New York State license as Project Manager for Asbestos Abatement projects; United States Environmental Protection Agency certification for Hazardous Materials Incident Response; certification as instructor for the Hazard Communications Standard, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; New York State Department of Motor Vehicles certification as Defensive Driving instructor; appropriate certification to take samples of hazardous materials; certification to fit-test workers for proper use of respirators.

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R12/30/11

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15