Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Certifications and Qualifications
Overview
Generic

Melissa Tolley Richardson

Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
Gray ,TN

Summary

Dedicated Occupational Health and Safety professional with 17 years' experience. Diversified background in Risk Management, Public Sector, General Industry, Construction Industry and Public Safety. Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive health and safety programs and training 2300 employees. OSHA Authorized Trainer in General Industry and Construction Industry.
Strong analytical skills to identify potential risks and devise effective strategies for risk mitigation. Proven track record of enhancing workplace safety, compliance, and reduction of accidents, injuries and workers' compensation costs. Committed to ensuring a healthy work environment and the safety and well-being of all employees and customers.

Work History

Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator

City Of Johnson City - Risk Management Department
2006.01 - 2023.02
  • Competent Person for City of Johnson City and Schools – authorized to take prompt corrective measures, or stop work to eliminate hazards or danger to employees or general public.
  • Oversaw compliance with TOSHA, OSHA, NFPA, federal, state, local regulations, general industry and construction standards, guidelines, and prudent practices related to employee safety and municipal liability.
  • Served as liaison with TOSHA representatives, performing TOSHA inspections and Rapid Response Investigation reports.
  • Developed, implemented and oversaw occupational health and safety plans, policies, procedures, programs and training, emergency and inspection programs, and continually evaluated their effectiveness.
  • Maintained, reviewed and updated all safety programs, manuals, SOP's, training records, manifests, certificates, inspection reports and logs as necessary.
  • Maintained consistent and reliable working relationship with employees, supervisors, departments, outside agencies and TOSHA.
  • Continuously developed and conducted health and safety training, improving employee awareness and understanding of safety protocols, procedures and personal protection equipment to 2300 employees.
  • Facilitated emergency response plans, training and drills, ensuring readiness in case of emergencies.
  • Performed various types of safety inspections and consultations including buildings, job sites, personal protection equipment, tools, construction vehicles and equipment.
  • Created safety checklists; e.g., Confined Space, Excavation, Fall Protection, Fire Extinguishers, Hazard Communication, Electrical, Lockout/Tagout, AED, Eyewash Stations, Forklifts, Skid Steers, and Aerial Lifts.
  • Performed Job Task, Hazard, and Root Cause analysis and investigations.
  • Investigated complaints, unsafe working conditions, accidents, injuries, near misses and regular site inspections.
  • Collected information through employees, and operational practices to identify specific needs of training, personal protection equipment, tools, systems, equipment and procedures to help reduce or eliminate accidents and injuries.
  • Developed, implemented, trained, and supervised Train-the-Trainer program for all departments.
  • Coordinated and conducted safety workshops to enhance personal growth, personal development and continued educational units for employees and outside agencies.
  • Implemented cost saving measures for general and specialized safety training for City of Johnson City departments, outside agencies and public entities while working with TOSHA, UT/CIS, TTAP, Fleming Training Center and other educational institutes.
  • Operated and maintained department safety budget, ordered safety equipment and training supplies.
  • Prepared competitive and non-competitive procurements, reviewed proposals, selected suppliers, and processed invoices.
  • Performed administrative duties, maintained sensitive and confidential information, prepared reports, certificates, record keeping, and technical work that involved analyzing data, researching and planning.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office skills - Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, scheduling, web, social media, and Zoom.

Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician

City Of Johnson City
2002.07 - 2006.01
  • Master Firefighter level I & II, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician II, and Rapid Intervention Team Member.
  • Pre-Plan and Radio Communication Safety Coordinator, and JCFD Insurance Services Office (ISO) committee member.
  • Protected lives and property through activities associated with fire prevention, building pre-plans, and high hazards, communication, search and rescue, fire suppression, hazardous materials, and medical emergencies.
  • Arson Investigation - preserved and documented evidence at fire and crime scenes.
  • Maintain detailed reports and documents.
  • Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid.
  • Worked with community doing outreach programs, such as smoke detector installation, evacuation drills, pre-planning, fire safety education and prevention, and fire extinguisher knowledge and application to help save lives and property.

Master Public Safety Officer

City Of Johnson City
1991.12 - 2002.07
  • Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, Master Public Safety Officer level I & II, Master Firefighter level I & II, Emergency Medical Technician, and Corrections Officer (1 yr).
  • Performed general police duties with emphasis towards deterring and suppressing crimes and traffic enforcement.
  • Recorded facts to prepare reports documenting incidents and activities.
  • Investigated traffic accidents, misdemeanor and felony crimes, processed crime scenes and arrested suspects.
  • Trained and supervised new probationary officers and junior police explorers.
  • Secured crime scenes, gathered and processed evidence, maintained chain of custody, questioned witnesses, and conducted searches of individuals, vehicles and premises.
  • Maintained detailed case files on criminal and traffic cases and provided testimony in court proceedings.
  • Enhanced public safety by conducting regular patrols and responding to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
  • Improved community relations through proactive engagement with local residents and businesses by addressing concerns and providing information on public safety initiatives.
  • Provided first aid assistance during medical emergencies, applying life-saving techniques until EMS arrived.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Public Safety - Fire Protection

Walters State Community College
Morristown, TN
05.2006

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management- Business

Tusculum College
Greenville, TN
12.2004

Associate of Applied Science - Public Safety - Law Enforcement

Walters State Community College
Morristown, TN
08.2003

Skills

  • Microsoft Office and Data Entry
  • Record Keeping
  • Report Writing and Documentation
  • Effective Communication - verbal and written
  • Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Management
  • Project Management
  • Hazard Identification and Prevention
  • Safety Inspections
  • Safety Training

Certifications and Qualifications

  • OSHA 10hr. and 30hr. Authorized Trainer - General Industry
  • OSHA 10hr. and 30hr. Authorized Trainer - Construction
  • Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO)
  • Manager of Environmental Safety and Health - General Industry (MESH)
  • Manager of Environmental Safety and Health - Construction (C-MESH)
  • Manager of Environmental Safety and Health - Industrial Hygiene (IH-MESH)
  • Facilities Maintenance Safety Specialist (FMSS)
  • Specialist in Safety and Health - General Industry (SSH)
  • Specialist in Safety and Health - Construction Industry (SSH-C)
  • OSHA Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals for General Industry (PSSH)
  • OSHA Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals for Construction Industry (PSSH)
  • UT/MTAS Municipal Management Academy - Level 1, 2, & 3
  • Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certification
  • Basic Firefighting I, II, III Certification
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
  • First aid, CPR and AED - certified

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
Melissa Tolley RichardsonOccupational Health and Safety Coordinator