Safety Associate

Dearborn, MI, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $26.00 - $28.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company match

Paid vacation time

Holidays

Life insurance

AD&D

short-term disability

long-term disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Job Description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a recognized global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With a strong emphasis on efficiency and scalability, the company excels in creating innovative paper and packaging systems designed to address complex packaging challenges across various industries. Their commitment to sustainability is integrated deeply into their operations, ensuring that environmental impact is minimized while maximizing value for stakeholders. The firm values safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, core principles which guide their operations and decision-making processes. Equipped with a worldwide presence and a robust workforce, Smurfit Westrock continuously strives to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to shareholders, customers, employees, and the communities where they operate.

The Safety Associate role at Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions based in Livonia, MI, is a pivotal position focused on enhancing the site’s environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs. The associate works closely with the Multi-Site Safety Manager to ensure the facility complies with legislative, corporate, and industry health and safety standards. This full-time position operates Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with possibility of overtime and weekend shifts as needed. The pay rate ranges from $26 to $28 per hour, depending on experience.

As a Safety Associate, the successful candidate will support the development and continuous improvement of safety programs and systems aimed at cultivating a Zero Injury Culture within the facility. They will assist in accident investigations, coordinate with multiple stakeholders for the preparation of materials related to legal and insurance requirements, and promote a proactive safety culture emphasizing incident prevention and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities also include developing site-specific safety objectives, conducting internal safety audits and assessments, and maintaining safety training and reporting.

This role requires leadership in guiding about 35-45 warehouse associates in safety practices, conducting daily walk-throughs, and holding monthly safety meetings across all shifts. The position commands strong organizational skills, the ability to analyze safety data effectively, and excellent communication capabilities to convey safety information and training effectively. Experience working in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings is highly preferred, and additional certifications related to safety training, accident investigation, and compliance will be advantageous.

In addition to a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, Smurfit Westrock offers a corporate culture grounded in integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence. Employees are provided with numerous learning and development opportunities to foster both personal and professional growth. Working at Smurfit Westrock means engaging in a global company that places sustainability, safety, and inclusion at the heart of their everyday business decisions and operating standards.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred associate or bachelor’s degree in related field
3-5 years of experience in safety roles within manufacturing, production or industrial settings
Experience with accident investigation and safety audits
Knowledge of DOT compliance and forklift safety procedures
Ability to lead safety meetings and training sessions
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Basic proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Office
Ability to work flexible hours including overtime and weekends as needed
Physical ability to perform job duties involving sitting, standing, walking, and keyboarding regularly

Job Qualifications

Preferred associate or bachelor’s degree in related field
3-5 years in similar role in manufacturing, production, or industrial environment
Experience in accident investigation, root cause analysis, audits, training, DOT compliance, forklift certifications, OSHA 30+
Strong aptitude for organization, prioritization and managing multiple tasks
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to conduct safety training meetings
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to analyze data and make sound conclusions
Leadership experience managing safety for warehouse associates
Bilingual a plus
AED/CPR/First Aid certification a plus

Job Duties

Support the implementation of the Smurfit WestRock Annual Safety and Health Strategy to achieve a Zero Injury Culture
Assist Multi-Site Safety Manager with investigation of accidents and injuries and preparation of material for hearings, lawsuits, and insurance investigations
Promote a proactive safety culture focused on incident prevention and regulatory compliance
Partner with Multi-Site Safety Manager to develop site-specific safety objectives and create action plans to meet those objectives
Assist with internal EHS self-assessments and weekly audits to ensure compliance
Ensure all key EHS operational controls are in place and EHS action items are resolved timely
Conduct daily walk throughs and monthly safety meetings
Maintain, review and report EHS performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing preventive and corrective actions