Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Upton S. Darden Sr

Cincinnati,OH

Summary

Results-driven and highly skilled leader with a strong background in environmental and occupational safety. Possessing a OSHA 500 certification and extensive experience as an instructor, I am well-versed in guiding teams and implementing safety plans aligned with OSHA and FEMA standards. Exceling in both team-based and independent settings, I am capable of delivering exceptional results through effective collaboration or autonomous decision-making. Adept at professional communication, I am skilled in engaging employees at all levels and have honed my public speaking abilities through delivering safety presentations and trainings. Seeking a leadership position where I can leverage my expertise to drive safety excellence, foster a culture of compliance, and ensure the well-being of employees in line with organizational objectives.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Safety Manager

Pacific Manufacturing Ohio
10.2023 - Current
  • Develop and implement safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards.
  • Conduct regular inspections of the manufacturing facility to identify potential hazards and ensure proper safety measures are in place.
  • Coordinate safety training programs for employees, including new hire orientations and ongoing safety education.
  • Investigate accidents and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to design and implement safety controls for new equipment and processes.
  • Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, incidents, and training activities to track compliance and identify trends.
  • Conduct ergonomic assessments to minimize workplace injuries and promote employee well-being.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and participate in audits and inspections as needed.
  • Develop emergency response plans and coordinate drills to ensure preparedness for potential emergencies.
  • Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on safety performance and initiatives.

Director of Safety

Sexton Industrial
02.2023 - 07.2023
  • Developed and implemented safety policies: Created and enforced safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Established guidelines for safe work practices, hazard identification, and incident reporting.
  • Conducted safety training: Organized and conducted safety training programs for employees, including welders and pipe fitters. Focused on topics such as personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, equipment handling, and safe work practices.
  • Performed risk assessments: Identified potential hazards and conducted thorough risk assessments for various tasks and work environments. Collaborated with project managers, engineers, and supervisors to develop mitigation strategies and implement necessary safety measures.
  • Inspected job sites: Regularly visited job sites to inspect and assess safety conditions. Identified potential hazards, ensured compliance with safety protocols, and recommended corrective actions. Maintained accurate records of site inspections and followed up on the implementation of safety measures.
  • Investigated incidents: Conducted thorough investigations of accidents, near misses, and other safety-related incidents. Determined root causes, prepared detailed reports, and recommended corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Ensured consistent adherence to incident reporting procedures.
  • Maintained safety documentation: Established and maintained accurate records related to safety, including training records, incident reports, and equipment inspections. Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and maintained a comprehensive safety documentation system.
  • Promoted safety culture: Fostered a positive safety culture by encouraging employee engagement and participation in safety initiatives. Promoted open communication regarding safety concerns and provided resources and support to enhance employee understanding and commitment to safety.
  • Kept up with regulations: Stayed up to date with the latest safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Maintained awareness of changes in safety legislation and provided guidance to management and employees on evolving safety requirements.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders: Worked closely with project managers, supervisors, and other stakeholders to integrate safety practices into project planning and execution. Collaborated with HR, operations, and other departments to align safety objectives with overall organizational goals.
  • Continuously improved: Evaluated and improved safety programs and processes to enhance overall safety performance. Implemented proactive measures to prevent incidents and reduce occupational hazards. Solicited feedback from employees and encouraged their involvement in identifying areas for improvement.

EHS Specialist

Amazon Warehouse
08.2022 - 02.2023
  • Safety Inspections: Conducted regular inspections of the workplace, including warehouses, distribution centers, and offices, to identify potential hazards, unsafe conditions, or non-compliance with safety regulations. Examined equipment, machinery, processes, and work areas.
  • Risk Assessments: Evaluated and assessed potential risks and hazards associated with Amazon's operations, such as material handling, lifting, machinery operation, and transportation. Developed strategies and recommendations to mitigate or eliminate these risks.
  • Safety Policies and Procedures: Developed, implemented, and communicated safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations. Trained employees on safety protocols and provided ongoing safety education.
  • Incident Investigation: Investigated workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses to determine root causes and contributing factors. Developed corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Maintained accurate records and documentation of incidents.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Developed and implemented emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and contingency plans to address potential emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or security incidents. Conducted drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of these plans.
  • Safety Audits and Metrics: Conducted regular safety audits to evaluate compliance with safety standards and policies. Analyzed safety data, metrics, and trends to identify areas for improvement and developed strategies to enhance safety performance.
  • Ergonomics: Assessed ergonomic factors in the workplace to ensure proper workstation setup, equipment design, and employee training to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and promote overall well-being.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Stayed up to date with local, state, and federal safety regulations and standards. Ensured that Amazon facilities and operations complied with these regulations and made necessary adjustments to policies and procedures as required.
  • Collaboration and Training: Collaborated with various stakeholders, including managers, supervisors, and safety committees, to promote a culture of safety and implement safety initiatives. Provided training and educational programs to employees on safety topics and best practices.
  • Continuous Improvement: Continuously reviewed and improved safety programs, processes, and initiatives based on feedback, data analysis, and industry best practices. Stayed informed about emerging trends and technologies in workplace safety.

Health and Safety Administrator

ProActive Safety Services
01.2021 - 08.2022
  • Completed hazardous waste training/ RCRA training annually.
  • Small Quantity Generators (< 1000 kg per month) ensured that hazardous waste personnel were "thoroughly familiar" with their responsibilities for hazardous waste management compliance.
  • Developed and implemented HACCP programs.
  • Planned and executed EHSMS/RCMS development projects to conform to Responsible Care requirements and comply with applicable regulations.
  • Conducted environmental aspects and impacts analysis.
  • Identified and implemented controls necessary for an effective EHSMS/RCMS.
  • Related fiduciary concerns to the performance of the EHSMS/RCMS.
  • Developed reliable and pliable systems, particularly effective for organizations with constantly changing process objectives.
  • Determined and communicated the resources necessary for the system to work as planned.
  • Communicated the roles and responsibilities within the EHSMS/RCMS to the organization.
  • Conducted audits, including on undocumented systems, and audited for process effectiveness against measurable objectives.
  • Used the EHSMS/RCMS to manage environment, health, safety, and security risks and continually reduce waste.
  • Completed OSHA 10 trainings.

EHS Specialist

PETER CREMER NORTH AMERICA
02.2019 - 12.2020
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable EHS, OSHA, and state regulations and standards, including reporting, inspections, and response to citations.
  • Provided guidance and education (safety training and refreshers) to line and plant staff on the same (OSHA Log, DEP, PV Inspection/Certification, etc.).
  • Investigated serious injuries in conjunction with line and staff personnel.
  • Notified top management of pertinent details and worked with personnel to acquire data for claims.
  • Facilitated and monitored corrective action effectiveness.
  • Evaluated hazardous conditions, practices, and developed hazard control practices and programs.
  • Maintained established control programs – FL, Respirator, AED/FR, FP.
  • Assisted in communicating hazard control information and evaluated effectiveness of the control.
  • Guided and assisted plant personnel at locations with critical safety and health problems.
  • Overviewed company accident statistics and made recommendations for correction of problem areas.
  • Assessed new developments in the health and safety field that may have application to the company's operations.
  • Established target areas and long-range accident prevention and cost-control objectives.
  • Kept apprised of developments in federal, state, and local regulations likely to affect the company, especially as it related to required permits (STD, Stormwater, etc.).
  • Acted as ranking company representative in dealing with government agencies on safety and health matters affecting the company.
  • Investigated fatalities or serious injuries that occurred at company facilities in which more than five employees were hospitalized.
  • Worked with Human Resources to provide information needed to file workers' compensation claims and to follow high-cost or precedent-setting cases, OSHA Log recordkeeping, and annual posting.
  • Assisted with cost-control efforts, participated in manufacturing improvement committees, and the like, as required.

Claims Assistant /Safety instructor

Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation
09.2016 - 02.2019
  • Worked and managed a case load for permanent partial applications for both self-insured and state fund claims.
  • Reviewed incoming claims documents to determine proper action and requested additional documents such as medical and wage documents as needed.
  • Responded appropriately to customer inquiries in person, via phone, fax, and email.
  • Forwarded claims to scheduling department to facilitate exam scheduling.
  • Served as a safety leader for the medical team.
  • Assisted in implementing safety standards.
  • Taught safety classes under the supervision of the safety manager.
  • Maintained AED and CPR training certifications.
  • Attained and held an OSHA instructor certification.

Education

Graduate Certificate - Occupational Health and Safety, Health and Safety

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science - Business Management in Business Management

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Skills

  • Risk assessment: Proficient in conducting comprehensive risk assessments and developing effective mitigation strategies
  • Safety program development and implementation: Skilled in creating and implementing robust safety programs tailored to construction and industrial settings
  • Claims reporting: Experienced in accurately reporting and documenting injury claims to Workers' Compensation
  • Incident investigation: Capable of performing thorough incident investigations to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences
  • Interpretation of laws and regulations: Knowledgeable in interpreting and providing guidance on occupational health and safety laws, regulations, and company policies
  • Safety meeting facilitation: Skilled in facilitating engaging and informative safety meetings, delivering OSHA instruction
  • Public speaking: Proficient in delivering effective and impactful presentations to educate and motivate employees on safety practices
  • Budgeting: Experienced in developing and managing safety budgets, allocating resources effectively
  • Project management: Skilled in overseeing safety-related projects, coordinating tasks, and ensuring successful project completion
  • Occupational health: Knowledgeable in promoting wellness programs and addressing workplace health issues to safeguard employee well-being

Certification

OSHA 500 Construction Trainer

General Industry OSHA 30

HAZWOPER 40

RCRA Hazardous Waste Certification

HACCP

ISO 14001

AD-CPR Training

Timeline

Safety Manager

Pacific Manufacturing Ohio
10.2023 - Current

Director of Safety

Sexton Industrial
02.2023 - 07.2023

EHS Specialist

Amazon Warehouse
08.2022 - 02.2023

Health and Safety Administrator

ProActive Safety Services
01.2021 - 08.2022

EHS Specialist

PETER CREMER NORTH AMERICA
02.2019 - 12.2020

Claims Assistant /Safety instructor

Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation
09.2016 - 02.2019

Graduate Certificate - Occupational Health and Safety, Health and Safety

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science - Business Management in Business Management

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Upton S. Darden Sr