Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Military Experience
Timeline
Generic

Dirrick Simmons

Highland Springs,Va.

Summary

High-performing professional with substantial experience developing and implementing safety and health programs. Creates safety protocols, conducts hazard assessments and provides education. Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and committed to promoting industrial hygiene and environmental health.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Safety Instructor

VA, MD & DE Association of Electric Cooperatives
11.2017 - 03.2024
  • Develop and assess necessary training materials to meet needs of member and non-members
  • Improved workplace safety by conducting comprehensive training sessions for employees on proper procedures and equipment usage.
  • Enhanced employee understanding of safety protocols with development of clear, concise instructional materials.
  • Developed strong relationships with industry partners to stay informed about emerging trends in occupational health and safety training methodologies.
  • Decreased accident rates by designing and implementing effective safety programs tailored to specific industries and job functions.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing workplace safety to ensure accurate information was conveyed during training sessions.
  • Implemented new technologies to enhance training delivery methods, such as e-learning platforms or virtual reality simulations for hands-on practice.
  • Provided expert guidance on ergonomic best practices designed to reduce incidents related to repetitive motion injuries or improper workstation setup among office workers.
  • Created engaging multimedia presentations that captured employees'' attention while effectively conveying essential information related to workplace health and safety topics.
  • Conducted thorough incident investigations when accidents occurred, identifying root causes and implementing corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
  • Facilitated open lines of communication between staff members at all levels, fostering collaborative environment conducive to implementation of successful safety programs.
  • Conduct inspections of facilities and job sites and prepare reports and recommendations as needed
  • Develop and maintain library of safety-related training materials, and other presentations
  • Perform safety audits to ensure regulatory compliance & identify hazards and provide recommendations to reduce risks
  • Develop and conduct training sessions with all levels with-in member’s organization
  • Serve as administrative coordinator for all Technician Apprenticeship Programs
  • Promoted a culture of safety awareness by organizing workshops, seminars, and other events focused on best practices in workplace health and safety.
  • Performed safety analyses to evaluate potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.

Adjunct Professor

Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2015 - 05.2021

1. Taught {FIRE-309, Risk Management & Insurance} courses, providing instruction to up to 50 undergraduate students.

  • Semester course; 3 credits
  • Introduction to study of risk management as it applies to individuals and enterprises
  • This course introduces use of non-insurance (capital markets) and insurance tools for managing property, liability, all life cycle risks (life, health, disability and pensions) and financial risks
  • Course covers sustainability, Insurance, Tech and Cyber risks and is structured to generate awareness of changing nature of risks and their handling
  • Course is designed as basis for more advanced risk management and insurance courses as well as for non-business majors

2. Taught {FIRE-444, Occupational Safety, Health & Security} course, providing instruction to up to 40 undergraduate students.

  • Semester course; 3 credits
  • Covers principles and practices, and regulatory dimensions of occupational safety, health and security
  • Causes of workplace health hazard exposures, accidents and domestic and international industrial violence are studied with emphasis on prevention
  • Characteristics of effective occupational safety, health and workplace security programs are studied to facilitate understanding and application in the workplace.

DUTIES:

  • Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
  • Used exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension.
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Empowered students to take ownership of their education by facilitating opportunities for independent research projects within specific areas of interest.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.

Safety Specialist (South Region)

AHOLD USA
06.2010 - 06.2015
  • Perform Safety Audits to identify hazards and facilitate operational and physical changes to minimize exposure, to include collaboration with Store & District Management, Real Estate, Maintenance & Asset Protection Department
  • Identify key loss drivers for associate and customer injuries and claims, make recommendations for practice and procedural updates to reduce claim frequencies
  • Review internal inspection documentation for outstanding deficiencies and assist in the facilitation of corrective actions, follow-up for completion of corrective actions
  • Develop and conduct training sessions with all levels of associates, this includes management as well as hourly associates
  • Develop Worker’s Compensation and General Liability target goals (frequency/severity rates) for designated locations
  • Communicate objectives to District Management to include Regional VP’s
  • Inspect all retail locations for compliance with S.O.P., Recognize safety procedures and regulatory compliance issues
  • Develop and train all associates and management for proper inspection of fire protection and life safety equipment.

Sr. Occupational Safety and Health Analyst {Contract}

Lockheed Martin {NISC II}
03.2009 - 03.2010
  • Provide technical expertise in developing procedures, processes, standards and specifications to control or reduce hazards and exposures to people, property and environment
  • Participate on multi-disciplinary team to analyze field level hazard producing mechanisms and processes to develop short- and long-term safety implementation plans
  • Research regulatory, scientific and engineering requirements and/or specifications to ensure compliance and best industry practices are considered for hazard control
  • Conduct in-depth evaluations and analyses of work practices
  • Perform audits of training programs to determine compliance with regulatory requirements and agency standards
  • Assist in development of standardized work practices, training requirements and personal protection requirements.
  • Recommended process improvements to continually identify, analyze and fix constraints and challenges.
  • Performed system analysis, documentation, testing, implementation, and user support for platform transitions.

Corporate Safety Officer

SunEdison (NVT LLC) Solar Energy
02.2007 - 12.2008
  • Perform Safety, Loss Control and Risk Management duties to include, Risk Assessments
  • Perform Safety Analysis during design of Solar Electric Systems prior to installation
  • Assist Design Engineers with system components based on reliability and serviceability using data from previous installation, service records, incident reports and manufacturers data
  • Coordinate and monitor claims management practices to facilitate expedient and cost-effective resolution and closure of claims
  • Record-keeping to include Training, OSHA, Environmental, and Workers Comp
  • Participate in Quarterly Claims Review (with insurance carriers) to facilitate claims closure
  • Write and implement policies, processes/procedures designed to identify, evaluate, and correct unsafe working conditions or behaviors
  • Perform hazard analysis, conducts safety audits and inspections, prepare/submit reports
  • Implement and document corrective actions to minimize deficiencies identified by audits, inspections, observations, incident investigations and analysis and system failures
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to facilitate compliance with applicable regulations and standards OSHA, EPA, DOT, NFPA, ANSI etc
  • Conducts or initiate accident investigations to determine root causes due to system failures, unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
  • Ensured adherence to OSHA regulations, leading to a safer work environment for all employees.
  • Reduced accident rates with consistent monitoring of employee compliance to safety protocols.
  • Communicated safety performance and progress to management and employees to provide up to date information.
  • Improved workplace safety by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing necessary control measures.
  • Promoted a culture of safety through engaging workshops and training sessions for employees on various topics such as hazard identification, PPE usage, and incident reporting.
  • Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for safe work practices and comply with regulations.

Education

MBA - Business Administration

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
05.2014

Bachelor of Science - Safety & Risk Control Administration

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
12.1996

Skills

  • Control of Hazardous Energy {LOTO}
  • Safety Policy Development
  • Personal Protective Equipment Assessment
  • Incident Investigation
  • Hazardous Materials Handling
  • First Aid Proficiency
  • Emergency Response Planning
  • Hazard Identification
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Ergonomics Evaluation
  • Risk Assessment Abilities
  • OSHA Compliance
  • Workplace Safety Regulations
  • Accident prevention techniques

Certification

  • Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP)
  • Certified Program Administrator {Stormwater Management, Erosion & Sediment Control} VA Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer (OSHA 500 & 501)
  • First Aid & CPR/AED Trainer

Affiliations

  • American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Military Experience

  • United States Coast Guard, 07/1982, 07/1988
  • Virginia Army National Guard, 10/1988, 10/1990

Timeline

Safety Instructor

VA, MD & DE Association of Electric Cooperatives
11.2017 - 03.2024

Adjunct Professor

Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2015 - 05.2021

Safety Specialist (South Region)

AHOLD USA
06.2010 - 06.2015

Sr. Occupational Safety and Health Analyst {Contract}

Lockheed Martin {NISC II}
03.2009 - 03.2010

Corporate Safety Officer

SunEdison (NVT LLC) Solar Energy
02.2007 - 12.2008

MBA - Business Administration

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor of Science - Safety & Risk Control Administration

Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP)
  • Certified Program Administrator {Stormwater Management, Erosion & Sediment Control} VA Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer (OSHA 500 & 501)
  • First Aid & CPR/AED Trainer
Dirrick Simmons