David Benenhaley
Moncks Corner,SC
Summary
Seasoned safety professional with experience in utility, arborist, retail, and distribution operations. Skilled in OSHA compliance, root-cause analysis, safety audits, and hazard control. Proven track record of reducing risk through employee training, incident reporting, and corrective action plans.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Safety Manager
Southeastern Limb and Tree
Ridgeland, South Carolina
01.2026 - Current
- Performed hazard reviews for tree removal and limb clearing sites, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Monitored OSHA compliance across arborist and grounds crew operations.
- Conducted safety checks for southeastern limb and tree field crews, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
- Investigated accidents to identify causes and prevent future incidents.
- Provided training on proper use of PPE and other safety protocols.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations related to occupational health and safety.
- Facilitated regular safety meetings for staff, reinforcing compliance with safety regulations and promoting a culture of safety.
Senior Safety Specialist
Santee Cooper
Moncks Corner, South Carolina
01.2015 - 12.2025
- Led incident investigations with operations and maintenance teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Trained employees on hazard controls and emergency response.
- Reviewed compliance with OSHA and utility safety requirements.
- Advised supervisors on safe work practices for power systems.
- Led incident investigations involving fatalities or serious injuries requiring OSHA reporting requirements.
- Conducted risk assessments of operations and identified potential hazards or areas of improvement.
- Trained supervisors in accident prevention techniques and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Investigated incidents to determine root causes, and identified corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Monitored workers' compensation claims process from initial reporting through resolution.
- Performed regular inspections of workplaces to identify health and safety risks, such as unsafe working conditions or practices.
- Conducted audits of safety systems across multiple sites, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and identifying areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with the Human Resources Department on disability management issues including return-to-work programs.
- Analyzed trends in injury rates using statistical methods and developed strategies for reducing them.
- Prepared monthly reports on progress toward safety goals, highlighting trends and areas requiring management attention.
- Investigated workplace incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Managed relationships with external specialists, ensuring timely access to medical and safety expertise.
- Compiled detailed reports summarizing safety data for management review. summarizing data related to workplace injuries, illnesses, and near misses for senior management review.
- Conducted safety and hazard inspections of work sites.
- Trained and assisted employees in the use of personal protective equipment and communicated safety requirements.
- Conducted workplace inspections for hazards, PPE, and emergency readiness at Santee Cooper sites
- Investigated incidents and documented corrective actions for safety programs
- Conducted incident investigations and documented corrective action plans.
- Conducted thorough safety inspections at various work sites to identify hazards. across Santee Cooper power transm
- Led safety inspections across Santee Cooper power transmission and utility operations sites.
Director of Risk Management and Safety
Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co.
Charleston, South Carolina
06.2005 - 06.2015
- Directed risk programs for grocery store operations and distribution activities.
- Reviewed insurance coverage for property, liability, workers' compensation, and auto claims.
- Managed incident investigations involving employees, customers, vendors, and store facilities.
- Partnered with leadership on safety policies, loss prevention, and compliance standards.
- Coordinated claim reporting with carriers, adjusters, attorneys, and internal teams.
- Monitored workplace hazards across Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. locations and support centers.
- Trained managers on risk controls, incident response, and documentation procedures.
- Performed root cause analysis following any incident involving significant losses or liabilities due to negligence or mismanagement.
- Served as an expert resource for all legal matters pertaining to organizational risks and liabilities.
- Reported regularly on risk management activities to the senior leadership team.
Risk Management Supervisor
Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co.
Charleston, South Carolina
06.1994 - 06.2005
- Developed and implemented risk management policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Supervised risk reviews across Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. store operations
- Monitored safety compliance for retail floors, stockrooms, and loading areas
- Investigated theft, accidents, and loss prevention incidents with store teams
- Coordinated claims processing with insurers, supervisors, and regional leaders
- Trained associates on safety rules, emergency response, and loss prevention
- Coordinated training sessions on topics related to risk management such as fraud prevention or privacy protection.
- Investigated incidents involving potential losses due to negligence or other causes.
- Developed and documented risk management systems.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wilson High School
Florence, SC06-1979
Skills
- OSHA compliance
- Incident investigations
- Incident investigation
- Safety audits
- Safety auditing
- Corrective actions
- Claims management
- Claims analysis
- Hazard assessments
- Workplace inspections
- Safety inspection
- Risk management
- Safety training
- Policy development
- Incident response
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Collaboration
- Effective communication
- OSHA certification
Timeline
Safety Manager
Southeastern Limb and Tree
01.2026 - Current
Senior Safety Specialist
Santee Cooper
01.2015 - 12.2025
Director of Risk Management and Safety
Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co.
06.2005 - 06.2015
Risk Management Supervisor
Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co.
06.1994 - 06.2005
High School Diploma -
Wilson High School