Job Description - Hospital Safety Officer
Summary
Under general direction, the Hospital Safety Officer oversees the development, implementation and monitoring of safety management for EH&E’s hospital client. The Hospital Safety Officer coordinates the Environment of Care program in accordance with Joint Commission standards in order to assure a hazard-free facility for patients, visitors and colleagues. Maintains liaison with external regulatory agencies pertaining to environmental health and safety, and to investigate incidents and implements corrective actions. Manages the information collection and evaluation system in order to identify and control unsafe environment of care conditions.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Technical Expertise:
- Develop, compile & maintain written plans, policies and programs for Environment of Care including: safety management, security management, hazardous materials/waste management, fire safety management, medical equipment management & utility management.
- Influence and work with internal client subject matter experts to document, training and maintain supporting tasks.
- Oversee and direct evaluations of information relating to programs. Document action plan to correct/enhance deficiencies, put into place.
- Develop and present training programs in Mandatory Education, hazard communication, laboratory safety, chemical safety, hazardous waste management and spill response and other subjects required by regulations and organizational needs.
- Coordinate training with other internal client staff to support deficiencies.
- Train client managers and maintain operational awareness for life safety including management of ILSM documentation, training & follow up.
- Provide technical expertise in fire and life safety issues for the organization. Act as primary liaison with local Fire Department during quarterly fire safety inspections.
- Serve as facility chemical hygiene officer for laboratories to assure safe handling and storage of chemicals. Provide chemical safety training to laboratory personnel. Evaluate potential exposures to chemicals and coordinate air monitoring if indicated.
- Collaboration with internal hospital departments and provide support when needed based on areas of employee safety and physical environment.
- Develop and implement policies to assure compliance with environmental regulations. Submit required environmental reports to federal, state and local agencies.
- Review construction and renovation projects and act as technical advisor to assure that all construction is performed in accordance with fire and safety regulations to minimize hazards to colleagues, patients, visitors, and construction personnel.
- Provide safety services to the Research Operations Department and serve on the laser safety, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee.
Project Management:
- Develop and lead the hazard surveillance program to include inspection of all patient and non-patient care areas per Safety/Environment of Care Committee and policy and analysis of findings.
- Develop and coordinate measures of performance and process improvement activities associated with the environment of care program.
- Ensure the work of team members is up to program specs with environment of care, hazardous waste program and emergency response program. This includes upkeep of material safety data sheets, chemical inventories, disposal documentation & chain of command for emergency situations.
- Maintain other project work that client requests to standard of scope.
Sales/Client Relations:
- Maintain open communications with client contact, i.e. regular meetings and check-ins.
- Recognize opportunities where additional services can be provided to client.
QA/QC:
- Participates in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities.
Customer Satisfaction:
- Demonstrates a commitment toward meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and consistently adheres to Customer Service standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Bachelors Degree required.
- 5+ years of Environmental Health & Safety experience required.
- TJC, NFPA, CMS, OSHA knowledge of these regulations preferred.
- Hospital or healthcare facility safety experience preferred.
- Bachelors Degree or higher in environmental science, chemistry, natural/physical sciences ect. Preferred.
- HAZWOPER (OSHA 40), DOT/RCRA preferred.
- ASP, CSP, CHSP or other relatable certification preferred.