Merhawi Ghebremeskel
BENA Transportation LLC
Seattle,WA
12
years of professional experience
1
Certification
3
Languages
Safety Manager with 9+ years of experience in DOT and FMCSA compliance, incident investigation, and risk reduction. Known for leading audits, training drivers, and improving fleet safety through clear communication and corrective action follow-through.
Work History
Safety Manager /Owner/Operator Truck Driver
7 Years 6 Months- Directed DOT and FMCSA compliance programs for transportation operations.
- Developed driver safety training covering defensive driving and regulatory requirements.
- Conducted incident investigations and documented corrective actions for safety events.
- Monitored vehicle inspections, maintenance follow-up, and equipment safety readiness.
- Audited safety records to verify accurate logs, reports, and compliance documentation.
- Implemented risk reduction procedures to improve fleet safety and operational consistency.
- Coordinated accident response, root-cause analysis, and remediation tracking.
- Reviewed safety policies and updated procedures to align with changing regulations.
- Collaborated with management to develop company-wide safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Conducted thorough accident investigations to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
- Developed and implemented safety programs.
- Implemented corrective actions following incidents to minimize risks and improve overall safety performance.
- Developed and executed training programs for employees, improving overall safety awareness and compliance.
- Trained employees in the most current regulations and practices in an effort to prevent mishaps and promote overall safety.
- Facilitated meetings with upper management and executives to discuss ways that safety could be improved.
- Facilitated training for 90+ drivers and owner operators
- Enhanced workplace safety by implementing comprehensive risk assessments and safety audits.
- Established emergency response plans, ensuring preparedness in the event of a crisis or disaster.
- Streamlined incident reporting processes for accurate documentation and data-driven decision making.
- Managed relationships with regulatory agencies while maintaining open lines of communication for inspections and compliance reviews.
- Cultivated strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, facilitating collaborative efforts to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.
- Customized safety training materials for different learning styles, increasing engagement and retention.
- Achieved a higher level of employee safety awareness through regular training sessions and workshops.
- Updated and maintained safety documentation, keeping records accurate for audits and compliance checks.
- Collaborated with HR to integrate safety considerations into employee onboarding and continuous education.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends and areas for safety improvement.
- Provided new-employee health and safety orientations and developed materials for presentations.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to promote workplace safety.
- Identified accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
- Operated tractor-trailer equipment to transport freight safely and on schedule.
- Inspected vehicles, trailers, and cargo before departures to maintain compliance and road readiness.
- Planned efficient routes using delivery instructions, traffic conditions, and customer requirements.
- Maintained accurate logbooks, trip records, and delivery documentation for regulatory compliance.
- Communicated with dispatch and customers to coordinate pickups, deliveries, and schedule adjustments.
- Performed preventative maintenance checks and reported mechanical issues to reduce downtime.
- Maintained compliance with weight limits, safety regulations, and transportation laws through diligent record-keeping and inspections.
- Maintained daily, legible DOT logbooks and submitted corresponding documents.
- Completed preventive maintenance and mechanical repairs on vehicles.
- Established strong working relationships with dispatchers, resulting in improved coordination and scheduling.
- Dropped and hooked trailers and changed the configuration of equipment.
- Continuously updated industry knowledge through participation in professional development opportunities such as training seminars or workshops.
- Promoted a safe work environment by adhering to company policies and federal regulations governing commercial vehicle operations.
- Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
- Assessed vehicles in fleet, identifying those requiring immediate repair work and minor maintenance.
- Contributed to a positive team atmosphere among fellow drivers by providing support, assistance, and sharing best practices when needed.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by performing routine maintenance checks on the truck and equipment.
- Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.
- Completed daily inspections, basic maintenance and common repair actions to keep equipment operating at full capacity.
- Completed preventive maintenance checks and basic repairs to vehicles.
- Answered roadside assistance calls for tows and other vehicle support.
Safety Manager
3 Years 4 Months- Led incident investigations and implemented corrective actions to reduce repeat hazards.
- Monitored compliance with OSHA standards, PPE usage, and emergency response protocols.
- Directed workplace safety programs across logistics operations, aligning procedures with regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated corrective maintenance with operations leaders to resolve unsafe conditions.
- Maintained safety documentation, inspection records, and incident reports for audits.
- Reduced accident rates through proactive hazard identification, analysis, and mitigation strategy.
- Facilitated training for 90 drivers and owner operators.
- Consistently achieved high levels of employee engagement in safety meetings, fostering an environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Monitored legislative updates relating to workplace health and safety, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated facility inspections with external auditors to ensure adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Orchestrated successful certification of the company under recognized safety management standards.
- Coordinated with external safety consultants to bring fresh perspectives on improving workplace safety standards.
- Engaged with workforce through safety committees, promoting open dialogue and continuous improvement.
- Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Performed safety analyses to evaluate potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Monitored workplace activities to determine compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Conducted safety audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and deficiencies.
- Researched and devised new safety initiatives and strategies to improve safety performance.
- Collaborated with management to develop company-wide safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Conducted thorough accident investigations to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
- Developed and implemented safety programs.
- Implemented corrective actions following incidents to minimize risks and improve overall safety performance.
- Developed and executed training programs for employees, improving overall safety awareness and compliance.
- Trained employees in the the most current regulations and practices in an effort to prevent mishaps and promote overall safety.
- Facilitated meetings with upper management and executives to discuss how safety could be improved.
- Enhanced workplace safety by implementing comprehensive risk assessments and safety audits.
- Managed relationships with regulatory agencies while maintaining open lines of communication for inspections and compliance reviews.
- Cultivated strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, facilitating collaborative efforts to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.
- Customized safety training materials for different learning styles, increasing engagement and retention.
- Achieved higher level of employee safety awareness through regular training sessions and workshops.
- Updated and maintained safety documentation, keeping records accurate for audits and compliance checks.
- Collaborated with HR to integrate safety considerations into employee onboarding and continuous education.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends and areas for safety improvement.
- Assessed new equipment acquisitions for potential hazards before integration into the workplace.
- Monitored compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations, ensuring company met all legal requirements.
- Managed employee relations cases, resolving conflicts and maintaining compliance documentation.
- Led recruiting, onboarding, and retention processes to support workforce stability.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset.
- Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
- Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
- Streamlined HR reporting processes, enabling more efficient analysis and decision-making with improved data management practices.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions, fostering a positive work environment and maintaining high levels of staff morale.
- Enhanced team collaboration and efficiency by introducing innovative communication tools and team-building activities.
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
- Developed a comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
- Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
- Utilized compliance tools, corrective actions and identification of deficiencies to mitigate audit risks.
- Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communication.
- Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to promote workplace safety.
- Provided new-employee health and safety orientations and developed materials for presentations.
- Identified accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
Education
NATMI - Safety
Skills
Incident investigation
Accident investigation
Hazard identification
Incident reporting
Incident response
Safety audits
Safety assessments
Safety program development
Safety assessments
Safety training
Policy implementation
Regulations and compliance
Compliance management
FMCSA compliance knowledge
Equipment inspection
Auditing safety processes
Risk assessment
Report preparation
Emergency management
Crisis intervention
Problem-solving skills
Multitasking
Reliability
Multitasking skills
Organizational skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Collaboration
Accident prevention
Effective communication
Active listening
Adaptability skills
Accident prevention
Relationship building
Self motivation
Interpersonal skills
Proactive leadership skills
Interpersonal skills
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved DOT non compliance Conditional Safety rating which led to satisfactory rating.
- Achieved satisfactory rating through effectively helping with DOT investigation.
- Author of “ four Children Tigrigna language learning workbooks DaeRo Books,” printed in in 2026.
Certification
Teaching Certificate from Asmara Teacher Training Institute
TSOL
Safety Supervisor
Defensive Driving
Safety Compliance Director
- [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]
- [Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
- [Area of expertise] License - [Timeframe]
- EHS - Environmental Health and Safety Professional
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Tigrigna
Native or Bilingual
Amharic
Limited Working
Interests
Baking
Dancing
Woodworking
Music
Enjoying the art of baking and pastry-making
experimenting with recipes.
Avid Reader
Volunteering
Watching Movies and TV Shows
Youth mentor
providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders.
Outdoor Recreation
Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact.
Crafting and DIY Projects
I like working with my hands and fixing things.
Cooking
Exploring famous landmarks
historical sites
and cultural attractions in a new destination.
I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community.
DIY and Home Improvement
Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills.
Swimming
Reading
Fashion and Style
I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings.
Volunteer Work
Bread Making
Timeline
Safety Manager /Owner/Operator Truck Driver
BENA Transportation LLC
04.2019 - CurrentRead More
Safety Manager
Savanah Logistics
04.2015 - 08.2018Read More
NATMI
NATMI from Safety
Read More
Bonus Awarded for Successful FMCSA Safety Audit
Awarded for leading a rigorous month long FMCSA/DOT safety audit for Savanah Logistics in 2026