COUNTY SAFETY OFFICER 5365

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class administers a health and safety program for all County Departments and Suffolk County Community College. The incumbent works in cooperation with representatives of all departments and establishes 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 coordinates all reporting requirements for State and Federal agencies and protects the County from insurance liabilities by conducting inspections of County-owned properties. Work requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and decision making. 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 and the County Safety Officer has general oversight of the activities of all departmental personnel responsible for safety and training. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Coordinates and files all required annual reports to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the New York State Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau relating to injuries and illnesses and accompanies their representatives on inspections of County and College facilities;

Reviews all County and College Workers’ Compensation claims to identify any hazardous conditions in need of correction in order to prevent further injuries;

Administers the Workplace Violence program and provides guidance to department representatives;

Inspects buildings and their heating systems with insurance representatives and inspects all tax-seized properties to identify dangerous conditions and implement corrective action;

Works in conjunction with the Director of Labor Relations to oversee and participate in researching all health and safety grievances and/or complaints submitted by unions or individual employees regarding possible health and safety violations and recommends any applicable remediation;

Notifies administrators of unsafe conditions and/or practices, recommends remedies and/or preventive measures and follows up to assure compliance;

Develops and presents employee safety training programs;

Proposes legislation to remedy unsafe conditions and develops a schedule for medical examinations pursuant to Federal and State laws;

Coordinates 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

Comprehensive knowledge of Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act standards and regulations; comprehensive knowledge of the proper use and availability of safety equipment, clothing and vehicles; thorough knowledge of mediation and arbitration procedures; ability to develop a good working relationship with managerial personnel and 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 five (5) years of experience in the development or implementation of employee safety or accident prevention programs, two (2) years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory capacity; or,

(b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and nine (9) years of experience in the development or implementation of employee safety or accident prevention programs, four (4)years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory capacity; or,

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

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.

R10/27/2011

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 7/23/15