Job Description

The Safety Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and driving continuous improvement across the site. This role will own the implementation and maintenance of OHS programs, conduct gap assessments against regulatory and corporate standards, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to close gaps and implement effective solutions.

The Safety Specialist will champion  Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles and  Operational Learning  practices to build capacity for safe operations. This includes engaging with those closest to the work to understand the difference between work as planned and work as performed, fostering a proactive safety culture, and creating systems that anticipate variation and minimize the consequences of errors.

This role directly supports Celanese Cultural and Leadership Attributes, the Manufacturing Operating Model, and the  Move to the Core (MttC) framework by promoting learning, resilience, and operational excellence.

Compliance & Program Ownership

• Maintain compliance with all applicable EHS and OHS regulations, standards, and company policies.
• Own and manage occupational health and safety programs, including audits, reporting, and corrective actions.
• Ensure alignment with corporate stewardship principles and site operating procedures.

People Safety Focus Areas

• Life Critical Programs: Electrical Safety, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space Entry, Elevated Work, Excavation, Hot Work, High Pressure Water Cleaning, Safe Work Permitting, Life Critical Posters.
• Occupational Health: Chemical Management, Heat Stress, Respiratory Protection, Ergonomics, Industrial Hygiene, Hearing Conservation (Noise), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Safety Programs: Develop, implement, and continuously improve site safety programs aligned with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Gap Assessments

• Perform gap assessments against regulatory and internal standards; develop and execute action plans to close gaps.
• Implement preventive measures for identified hazards.
• Drive improvement projects focused on hazard mitigation and risk reduction.

HOP & Operational Learning

• Apply HOP principles to recognize that variation, deviation, and mistakes will happen; focus on building capacity to absorb errors without severe consequences.
• Facilitate Operational Learning sessions with frontline teams to understand work realities and identify improvement opportunities.
• Promote a culture where learning from normal work and events drives system improvements rather than blame.

Safety Culture & Engagement

• Promote proactive safety behaviors and create an environment that encourages employee involvement.
• Facilitate safety training, toolbox talks, and engagement activities to build awareness and accountability.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report key safety metrics and leading indicators, including hazard recognition, near-miss events, and compliance audits.
• Ensure timely closure of Incidents and Near Miss reports.
• Maintain documentation and records for regulatory compliance and internal audits.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in occupational safety within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, EHS management systems, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience conducting audits, gap assessments, and implementing corrective actions.
• Proficiency in incident investigation and tools.

Core Competencies

• Ability to engage and influence employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; able to identify patterns and trends.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborative, persuasive, and proactive mindset.
• Skilled in managing ambiguity and instilling trust.
• Committed to creating a safe and compliant work environment.

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