Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration, South Central Veterans Affairs Health Care Network, Veterans Integrated Service Network (16), Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, Office of the Associate Director, Safety Management Section, New Orleans, LA. The work involves the management, administration, and operation of a construction safety program. Serve as a safety and occupational health specialist who plans, schedules, and conducts difficult inspections in establishments and worksites where there is a strong probability of encountering hazardous work processes and materials, and unsafe environmental conditions, involving a substantial number of employees. Conducts safety surveillance audits and inspections on a frequent basis according to the required standards and regulations and depending on the degree of hazard obtains immediate corrective action of conditions, which are of imminent danger to life or limb. Investigates hazardous conditions, equipment, practices, etc. to identify and analyze the nature and severity of hazards and possible remedial actions (i.e., elimination, correction, or protection). Ensures corrective actions are initiated and consults with subject matter specialists and managers about changes in work processes and proposed methods to eliminate unnecessary risks and control hazardous conditions. Investigates or assist investigators in investigating accidents/mishaps, obtains witness statements, photographs the accident scene, records circumstances and extent of injuries, estimates cost of property damages, and prepares a report of findings which includes recommendations to correct unsafe acts or conditions which caused the accident. Plans, develops, and implements safety promotional and educational campaigns containing aspects of difficult issues that are designed to meet both general and specific goals of reducing accidental occurrences and meet unique local situations. Promotes safety campaign and education materials; selects appropriate medium (i.e., lecture, campaign, safety meeting, posters, video, e-learning, brochures, training assembly, etc.) for use in promoting safety; ensures that safety standards are published in appropriate training manuals; and establishes necessary safety committees. Determines areas for emphasis; develops or adapts material for safety campaigns and training courses and conducts technical training for personnel; assists operating officials in establishing safety committees, participates in committee meetings, and provides technical guidance and assistance. Ensures the distribution of information and guidance developed by accident prevention committees is distributed to all pertinent parties. Develops and prepares supplements to guidelines developed by higher authority and initiates written procedures implementing technical safety standards, codes, and safety requirements for a variety of operations or activities within the serviced area. Conducts comprehensive analytical surveys and/or studies of serviced safety programs. Works closely with all personnel in the establishment of realistic safety requirements and compliance with applicable directives and regulations. Provides necessary administrative support for the assigned safety program or program segment. Maintains records of all area training; notifies supervisors when training is due; schedules training to include all shifts; and conducts training when requested or required. Maintains long-term historical safety records and notes trends or changing conditions that warrant revision of safety procedures. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Safety & Occupational Health Specialist/PD069390 and PD075140 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized