Safety Officer

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Reports to the MGH Environmental Health & Safety Manager. The incumbent’s extended knowledge, skill set, and experience in Environmental Health and Safety and strong interpersonal skills will be utilized to provide in-depth technical and program support over a wide range of department functions with emphasis on the management of hazardous materials. This position interacts with management and supervisory staff from clinical, research and support departments to assist with unit-level safety programming. This position works independently to accomplish a variety of non-routine and technically challenging tasks and is expected to collaborate with other EH&S staff to assure complete and continuous coverage of the department’s duties. The SO will also interface with a variety of outside regulatory agencies. This position will be expected to develop programs in areas of need, manage or oversee projects and lead the work of others when needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides support for occupational hygiene program needs, especially exposure monitoring to chemicals and other environmental exposure concerns. Analyzes findings and potential hazard control methods and develops and implements recommendations to assure continued worker safety. Maintains competence in using monitoring equipment. Participates in and initiates new equipment and technology procurement. Assists in maintenance and calibration of equipment and assures readiness and good repair.
• Manages indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations. Interfaces with management of departments reporting IAQ issues. Leads and coordinates response with other support departments, interfacing especially with facilities personnel and contractors to assure thorough evaluation of facilities-related parameters and effective follow up as required. Conducts air monitoring and other technical responses to environmental IAQ factors as needed. Records, reports, and documents all pertinent findings. Chairs the MGH IAQ Committee.
• Assists with key activities in the wastewater management program, particularly those directed at effective source reduction programming. Interfaces with employees, contractors, consultants and regulatory authorities as necessary.
• Provides leadership and support to other EH&S program needs relative to hazardous chemical materials and wastes and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Assists in managing the personal protective equipment program. Provides product selection information and training to users.
• Supports the emergency preparedness and response capabilities of the EH&S department. Responds to chemical spills.
• Leads safety audits in assigned organizational sectors. Assures the effective communication of audit results. Assists department safety representatives to mitigate findings. Tracks program performance and participates in designing and implementing improvement activities.
• Leads project work as assigned.
• Represents the department on various standing and ad-hoc committees as assigned.
• Maintains technical competencies based on job demands. Keeps knowledgeable of pertinent codes and standards
• Assists in developing and communicating safety policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree with 5 years of safety experience or BS with 2 years of safety experience in a hospital, laboratory, or similar setting; Master’s degree preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills; verbal and written communication skills
• Capable of performing tasks while wearing a respirator and/or other personal protective equipment

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be thoroughly familiar with industry regulations and guidelines, especially those pertaining to occupational health, safety, and the environment.
• Ability to recognize safety risks and apply pertinent safety controls, including work practices
• Presentation skills; proficiency in verbal and written English language skills; ability to deliver training presentations to varied audiences of varied sizes
• Ability to interact effectively with people individually and in small groups; must handle conflict tactfully and constructively
• Flexibility and teamwork: this department has a broad set of responsibilities requiring all technical staff to multitask and support other staff member
• Computer competency with general office software
• Physically able to perform tasks such as walking, standing, climbing, lifting, carrying
• Must be able to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.