Jeff Hughes
Summerville
Summary
Results-driven Safety Manager with over ten years of experience in fostering a robust safety culture through effective training and collaboration. Expertise in developing and implementing safety programs that significantly reduce workplace injuries and ensure regulatory compliance. Successfully led the Safety Management System (SMS) program for CARTA and RTMA/TCL, establishing Safety Committees and facilitating meetings with executive leadership to promote safety awareness. Proven track record in conducting safety audits and delivering comprehensive training programs, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and proactive risk management.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Safety Officer
Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments
North Charleston
05.2022 - Current
- Developed and maintained a strong safety culture through leadership and training.
- Demonstrated expertise in creating and executing successful safety programs.
- Led and managed SMS program with two direct reports from transportation agency safety managers in Charleston and Berkeley Counties.
- Facilitated Safety Committee meetings with executive leadership, managers, and supervisors.
- Facilitated safety promotion through lessons learned.
- Created and presented safety training programs to instruct employees on safety protocols and best practices.
- Encouraged team involvement to sustain a safe working environment.
- Conducted safety audits and inspections to identify and address hazards.
- Implemented safety management systems to meet regulatory standards and boost safety performance.
- Enhanced safety standards through the implementation of mandated SMS, resulting in ISO 45001 certification.
- Coordinated efforts with multiple government agencies including FTA, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, and S.C. D.O.T.
- Reduced mishap and injury rate by over 50% in 2022-2023 through a risk management reduction program.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory changes to enhance safety program effectiveness.
- Identify safety hazards, conduct safety risk assessments, and implement risk mitigation.
- Facilitated disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Manages training programs to align with fire and life safety standards.
- Collaborated with site safety managers to conduct frequent inspections ensuring compliance with OSHA and NFPA regulations.
Safety & Environmental Officer
National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration
Charleston
10.2021 - 05.2022
- Conducts Safety Committee meetings and provides minutes to leadership team.
- Developed safety policies to maintain compliance with safety management systems.
- Designed and enforced site-specific safety protocols to minimize risks and avoid accidents.
- Executed audits and inspections to ensure safety and mitigate potential risks.
- Coordinated and delivered performance analysis reports to top executives.
- Secured continuous safety compliance from October 2021 through May 2022.
- Facilitated collaboration between management and employees to enhance workplace safety culture.
- Demonstrated organizational and project management skills by enhancing safety management systems.
- Managed all aspects of fire safety evaluations and compliance.
- Achieved full compliance with life safety standards set by OSHA and Life NFP 101.
- Performed comprehensive job hazard analyses to pinpoint risks and apply suitable control measures.
- Enhanced 5S program performance to elevate organizational standards.
- Analyzed incidents and near misses to identify root causes and develop solutions.
- Assessed work areas for potential ergonomic issues.
- Proactively resolved employee safety concerns by addressing identified hazards.
Safety & Environmental Program Manager
Naval Health Clinic Charleston
Goose Creek
01.2018 - 10.2021
- Drove advancements in safety performance by leading the Environment of Care Committee.
- Enhanced safety awareness by implementing effective communication strategies.
- Implemented a comprehensive safety management strategy, reducing workplace injuries by half over three years.
- Fostered a safe and healthy work environment through collaboration with management and employees.
- Performed audits to ensure compliance with SMS program, OSHA, and RCRA regulations.
- Performed routine safety inspections to detect and mitigate potential risks like fall hazards, electrical dangers, and chemical exposures.
- Achieved top score in 2019 DoD Environmental Program Audit with minimal deficiencies across the Navy.
- Acknowledged expert in overseeing Environmental Program for Naval Health Clinic Charleston, ensuring full compliance.
- Ensured compliance with D.O.T. regulations for medical and pharmaceutical waste disposal.
- Investigated incidents and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions, showcasing analytical and investigative skills.
- Achieved a record of only five incidents over three years at NHCC through effective safety strategies.
Education
Master of Safety & Occupational Health - Orange Beach, AL
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL10.2023
Master of Science Degree - Management
Excelsior College
Albany, NY06.2016
Skills
- Safety management
- Risk assessment
- OSHA compliance
- Safety audits
- Incident investigation
- Environmental compliance
Certification
- Graduate Safety Professional, GSP
- World Safety Organization, WSO-CSSD
- OSHA 30 General Industry
- OSHA 510 Construction Industry
- ISO 45001 (Safety Mgmt. System)
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management
- DoD Hazardous Waste Manager
- RCRA & Medical Waste Disposal
- NASP Certified Navy Safety Manager
- USDOT Certified Transportation Safety
- Certified CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
- DoD Fire Protection & Life Safety
- DoD Mishap Investigation
Accomplishments
- Awarded Navy Achievement Medal for upholding exemplary safety standards in 2016
- Implemented the Safer Matrix & Safety Mgmt. System (SMS) achieving the fewest findings for Naval Hospitals in 2018 Joint Commission Inspection
- Received Outstanding score for 2019 DoD Environmental Program Audit
- Received no NOV's (notice of violations) from SC DHEC 2018-2023
- Achieved Civilian of the Year for 2019
- Nominated by the Commanding Officer for the 2019 Navy League Award
- Nominated by the Commanding Officer for the 2019 Navy Safety Excellence Award
- Zero mishaps at NOAA & awarded Green Cross by the National Safety Center, NSC 2021-2022
- Received Excellent Score on most recent FTA Safety Audit 2022-2023
Timeline
Chief Safety Officer
Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments
05.2022 - Current
Safety & Environmental Officer
National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration
10.2021 - 05.2022
Safety & Environmental Program Manager
Naval Health Clinic Charleston
01.2018 - 10.2021
Master of Safety & Occupational Health - Orange Beach, AL
Columbia Southern University
Master of Science Degree - Management
Excelsior College
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