Lavern B. James
Douglasville,GA
Summary
Safety professional with over a decade of experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety protocols and training programs. Achieved an 87% reduction in incidents within six months by integrating data-driven safety management systems and fostering a proactive safety culture across cross-functional teams.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Safety Manager
AddisonSmith Mechanical Contractors
Carrollton, Ga
12.2023 - Current
- · Achieved an 87% reduction in total safety incidents in six months, successfully reversing a prior 300% YoY surge in risk across construction and general industry operations.
- · Institutionalized frontline accountability and risk identification through the mandatory execution of Pre-Work Risk Assessments (PWRAs) and Behavior-Based Observations (BBOs).
- · Elevated team capabilities and reduced external training overhead by qualifying internal EHS personnel as certified instructors, bringing all compliance and technical training in-house to enhance deployment flexibility.
- Implemented a data-driven Safety Management System (SMS) integrated with HR, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and project software, deploying IoT-enabled field telemetry to capture real-time site data for hazard forecasting and equipment failure prevention.
- · Expanded the corporate Safety Management System (SMS) to integrate subcontractor workflows, providing trade partners with digitized access, training materials, and tools required to complete mandatory field risk assessments and inspections.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive employee safety protocols to enhance workplace safety.
- Created and rolled out new processes, training programs, and standard operating procedures.
- Monitored personnel adherence to ISN, Avetta, and other compliance platforms, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
- Facilitated discussions with upper management to identify and prioritize safety improvement opportunities.
- Analyzed incident reports to uncover trends and recommend safety enhancements.
- Conducted weekly toolbox talks with field crews, highlighting potential hazards in upcoming tasks and procedures.
- Developed, reviewed, and approved execution plans for critical high-risk field operations, including complex helicopter lifts, high-pressure pneumatic testing, and line purging procedures.
Safety Manager
Batter Up Foods Inc.
Atlanta, Ga
12.2019 - 12.2023
- Implemented procedures that reduced job site accidents by 33%.
- Coordinated development of comprehensive health and safety plans, ensuring proactive risk management.
- Designed and enforced safety regulations, minimizing injury and accident risks.
- Conducted daily audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards.
- Evaluated daily practices and inspected policies for compliance with legal guidelines, mitigating potential risks.
- Maintained compliance with government safety regulations regarding equipment and materials.
- Facilitated training sessions for over 200 employees, increasing safety awareness and compliance.
- Onboarded and oriented all new hires on safety protocols.
Safety Coordinator
American Perseverance
12.2014 - 12.2019
- Developed safety policies based on research to proactively eliminate workplace hazards.
- Ensured training of all workers in lockout and tagout procedures for energized equipment.
- Conducted regular inspections to ensure compliance with fire hazard and safety guidelines.
- Performed daily workplace inspections, implementing corrective action plans for hazards.
- Assessed and responded to risks and quickly resolved issues to promote safe and productive a safe and productive workplace.
- Organized and led emergency response drills to enhance employee preparedness.
- Analyzed data from safety audits to identify trends in unsafe conditions.
- Conducted periodic reviews of job hazard analyses, recommending changes.
- Oversaw health and safety regulations to ensure compliance for all employees.
- Reported on key metrics and safety improvements in staff meetings, answering questions and providing insight.
Maintenance Technician
Sherwin Williams Co
Lawrenceville, GA
08.2011 - 12.2014
- Diagnosed and repaired mechanical issues in HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance.
- Performed routine inspections and preventive maintenance on equipment, effectively reducing downtime and ensuring reliability.
- Successfully completed complex repair tasks within tight deadlines, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
- Collaborated with team members to complete larger repair projects efficiently.
- Led safety training for employees on regulatory standards and risk mitigation, fostering a culture of safety compliance.
- Trained junior technicians on safety protocols and operational best practices, improving overall team competency and safety awareness.
- Developed training materials for new hires, focusing on equipment handling and safety standards adherence.
- Maintained accurate records of maintenance activities and inventory for accountability and compliance.
- Adhered to established safety protocols to ensure a secure work environment. to minimize workplace accidents.
Safety Monitor/ Quality Assurance
OReilly Ozark Distribution Center
09.2005 - 08.2011
- Administered workplace safety protocols and processed permit applications to ensure compliance and safety standards.
- Assessed employee qualifications and verified credentials for certifications to operate heavy machinery, enhancing workplace safety.
- Managed purchase orders for safety equipment and invested in designs that limit risk.
- Set high standards for testing and maintenance to prevent dangerous malfunctions.
- Trained all equipment operators plant-wide.
- Performed daily, monthly, and weekly quality checks and inspections of equipment and processes to maintain operational excellence.
Education
Associate of Science - Environmental Health And Safety
Strayer University
Douglasville, GA01-2013
General Education Development (GED) - Business Communication
Bishop State
Mobile, AL01-2003
Skills
- OSHA/EPA compliance
- Safety protocol development
- Compliance management
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment
- Incident investigation
- Incident analysis
- Incident response
- Auditing safety processes
- LO/TO programs
- Lockout-tagout procedures
- Confined space training
- Fall protection
- Site assessment
- Training delivery
- Training development
- Team leadership
Certification
- Certified Health and Safety Manager (CHSM). Occupational Hygiene Certified Safety Professional (OHST), Construction Health and Safety Professional (CHST), OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA 510, OSHA 500, BLS Certification, First Aid, CPR, First Responder, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Train-the-Trainer, Hazardous Materials (HAZWOPER) 40hr, NCCER Rigging Certification,
Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented SiteDocs to streamline all EHS compliance tasks, integrating JHAs, incident reporting, and audit tracking into a single platformenhancing employee accessibility and oversight efficiency.
- Oversight of a team of 500 employees across 7 separate sites
- Collaborated with team of over 300 in the development of 150 million Southwest Comfort Cooling Project.
- •Achieved an 87% reduction in total safety incidents in six months, successfully reversing a prior 300% YoY surge in risk across construction and general industry operations.
- • Developed, reviewed, and approved execution plans for critical high-risk field operations, including complex helicopter lifts, high-pressure pneumatic testing, and line purging procedures.
Timeline
Safety Manager
AddisonSmith Mechanical Contractors
12.2023 - Current
Safety Manager
Batter Up Foods Inc.
12.2019 - 12.2023
Safety Coordinator
American Perseverance
12.2014 - 12.2019
Maintenance Technician
Sherwin Williams Co
08.2011 - 12.2014
Safety Monitor/ Quality Assurance
OReilly Ozark Distribution Center
09.2005 - 08.2011
Associate of Science - Environmental Health And Safety
Strayer University
General Education Development (GED) - Business Communication
Bishop State