Health and Safety Specialist

About the Job:

Health and Safety Specialist
Work location: Cement Plant and Quarry Operations, Tehachapi, CA

Reports to: Safety Supervisor

Position Mission:

Provides specialized support for the implementation and continuous improvement of occupational safety programs across UNACEM North America plant and quarry operations. The role helps ensure compliance with OSHA and MSHA regulations, supports operational risk management, and reinforces a proactive safety culture aligned with UNA Culture values and world class cement and mining industry safety standards.

Purpose:
Support the execution of occupational safety strategies that protect employees, contractors and visitors while ensuring compliance with OSHA and MSHA regulations. The role contributes to strengthening safety performance by identifying risks, supporting incident prevention initiatives, delivering safety training and partnering closely with operations and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities:

• Support implementation of safety programs across plant and quarry operations, including hazard identification, incident prevention initiatives and behavioral safety practices.
• Conduct routine safety inspections in plant, quarry, maintenance shops and material handling areas to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with incident and near miss investigations, supporting root cause analysis and the development of corrective and preventive measures.
• Maintain safety documentation and records required for OSHA and MSHA compliance.
• Deliver safety training sessions on topics such as lockout tagout, confined space entry, fall protection, mobile equipment safety and hazard communication.
• Support onboarding safety orientation programs for employees and contractors.
• Assist with preparation for internal safety audits and regulatory inspections.
• Partner with supervisors and operational teams to integrate safety considerations into daily work planning and maintenance activities.
• Monitor safety performance indicators and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen safety performance across operations.
• Assist in escorting Federal, State, and Local agency officials during inspections and visits to ensure safety and compliance.
• Assist in industrial health studies related to occupational noise, chemicals, airborne particulates, mists, fumes, nuisance dust, crystalline silica, ergonomics, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of OSHA and MSHA safety regulations applicable to cement plants, mining and quarry environments.
• Understanding of industrial hazard identification, risk assessment and control methods.
• Knowledge of incident investigation techniques and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Understanding of safety management systems and operational safety standards used in heavy industrial environments.
• Understanding of behavioral based safety management systems being implemented in heavy industrial environments.
• Problem Solving
• Identifies operational safety risks and recommends practical solutions aligned with regulatory requirements and operational realities.
• Evaluates incidents, near misses and workplace hazards to support preventive actions and continuous improvement.
• Adapts safety approaches to dynamic operational environments including plant production, maintenance shutdowns and quarry activities.
• Interactions and Influence
• Regular interaction with plant leadership, supervisors, maintenance teams and quarry operations.
• Collaboration with Safety Manager and cross functional teams to support implementation of safety initiatives.
• Interaction with employees and contractors to reinforce n and create awareness of safe work practices and safety culture.

Impact:

• Direct: Supports the effective implementation of safety programs and regulatory compliance across plant and quarry operations.
• Indirect: Contributes to protecting employees and contractors while strengthening safety culture and operational reliability across UNACEM North America.

Experience and Education:

• Associate of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health preferred, or equivalent combination of five or more years of safety experience in heavy industry such as cement, mining, aggregates or similar industrial environments.
• MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 training certification
• OSHA 30 certification
• Certified Safety Professional CSP, Associate Safety Professional ASP, Occupational Health and Safety Technician OHST, Construction Health and Safety Technician CHST, are considered a strong plus

Success Profile:

• Strong safety mindset and commitment to protecting people.
• Ability to work effectively in field based industrial environments.
• Clear communicator able to influence operational teams and promote safe work practices.
• Strong attention to detail and observational capability.
• Collaborative approach when working with supervisors, employees and contractors.
• Role model of UNA Culture values.

About UNACEM North America:

UNACEM North America is part of the international Grupo UNACEM family. Our parent company, Grupo UNACEM, has a rich legacy that stretches back over 100 years, marked by technological innovation and a commitment to building a sustainable world. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, Grupo UNACEM was formed by merging leading cement companies and is now a reference point in the global construction materials industry. We have steadily grown our presence throughout Latin America, and today, our North American division is an integrated business leading the way for sustainable cement manufacturing in the US. In the United States, UNACEM North America operates two major cement plants—Drake Cement in Paulden, Arizona, and Tehachapi Cement in California. These facilities are recognized for their state-of-the-art technology and have established our company as a leader in the Southwest region. The Drake Cement facility was the first of its kind to be built in Arizona in 2008, and full production began in 2011. The Tehachapi cement plant has a rich history dating back to 1906. Our company culture is anchored in the UNA Values—nine guiding principles that are woven through every aspect of our business. At UNACEM, we: Collaborate as one team, fostering an environment built on trust and respect. Take responsibility for our actions, driven by a deep conviction to fulfill our purpose. Own our professional development, cultivating growth in a challenging environment. Live by the highest standards, as outlined in our Code of Ethics and Conduct. Prioritize health and safety, considering life to be our most important asset. Commit to creating economic, environmental, and social value for current and future generations. Strive to exceed expectations through continuous improvement and efficiency. Lead change by encouraging innovation and adaptability. Put the customer at the center of all our actions, working to provide sustainable solutions. As we look ahead, UNACEM North America is dedicated to ambitious sustainability goals. Grupo UNACEM’s global roadmap calls for all operations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We are making large-scale investments to modernize our plants, improve energy efficiency, adopt alternative fuels, and implement carbon capture technology. These efforts align with our broader purpose—to grow together and build a sustainable world for everyone. Joining UNACEM North America means being part of a forward-thinking company—one where each team member plays a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future. If you share our values and passion for innovation, we look forward to learning more about your background and how you could contribute to our mission.

About UNACEM North America:

UNACEM North America is part of the international Grupo UNACEM family. Our parent company, Grupo UNACEM, has a rich legacy that stretches back over 100 years, marked by technological innovation and a commitment to building a sustainable world. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, Grupo UNACEM was formed by merging leading cement companies and is now a reference point in the global construction materials industry. We have steadily grown our presence throughout Latin America, and today, our North American division is an integrated business leading the way for sustainable cement manufacturing in the US. In the United States, UNACEM North America operates two major cement plants—Drake Cement in Paulden, Arizona, and Tehachapi Cement in California. These facilities are recognized for their state-of-the-art technology and have established our company as a leader in the Southwest region. The Drake Cement facility was the first of its kind to be built in Arizona in 2008, and full production began in 2011. The Tehachapi cement plant has a rich history dating back to 1906. Our company culture is anchored in the UNA Values—nine guiding principles that are woven through every aspect of our business. At UNACEM, we: Collaborate as one team, fostering an environment built on trust and respect. Take responsibility for our actions, driven by a deep conviction to fulfill our purpose. Own our professional development, cultivating growth in a challenging environment. Live by the highest standards, as outlined in our Code of Ethics and Conduct. Prioritize health and safety, considering life to be our most important asset. Commit to creating economic, environmental, and social value for current and future generations. Strive to exceed expectations through continuous improvement and efficiency. Lead change by encouraging innovation and adaptability. Put the customer at the center of all our actions, working to provide sustainable solutions. As we look ahead, UNACEM North America is dedicated to ambitious sustainability goals. Grupo UNACEM’s global roadmap calls for all operations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We are making large-scale investments to modernize our plants, improve energy efficiency, adopt alternative fuels, and implement carbon capture technology. These efforts align with our broader purpose—to grow together and build a sustainable world for everyone. Joining UNACEM North America means being part of a forward-thinking company—one where each team member plays a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future. If you share our values and passion for innovation, we look forward to learning more about your background and how you could contribute to our mission.