This is a single, directory level class for positions that concentrate on the administration of the provisions of the federal and state occupational and safety laws, regulations and standards. Positions in this class plan, direct and administer statewide programs which are designed to ensure safe and healthful work sites, work conditions and work practices for employees of both the public and private sectors of the Commonwealth. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Safety Supervisor and Industrial Hygienist Supervisor classes by the responsibility for administering statewide activities of the Department of Labor and Industry and the requirement for exercising considerable independent Judgment and decision making.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty by managing comprehensive statewide activities which involve health and safety programs designed to control or eliminate conditions contributing to occupational hazards, diseases, and/or unsafe work practices or conditions in public and private work places or sites. Positions utilize management and communication techniques to direct the work of occupational safety or occupational health professionals, and technical and clerical support staff. Positions formulate program objectives, operating procedures and implementation techniques in order to reduce and eliminate conditions causing occupational hazards, deaths, illnesses, and diseases; interpret governmental occupational safety and health standards for employees of the agency as well as other public and private employers and employees, and the general public; and ensure that employers are assisted with occupational safety and/or health concerns and problems through either a voluntary compliance program, training assistance program, or an occupational safety and/or health enforcement program. Promotes the agency’s services and goals; and reviews progress and activity reports of support staff in order to provide higher level agency administrators, legislators, professional organizations, employers, employees, and the general public with information about occupational safety and/or health programs. Directs the preparation and monitoring of all necessary reports including various statistical reports, quarterly and annual federal reports, employer reports, and cost effectiveness studies; participates in personnel actions, to include recruitment and selection, promotional and disciplinary actions, and training and development activities of subordinate personnel. Positions assigned to this class may be involved in developing, evaluating, and facilitating technical training programs on occupational safety an health issues; providing consultation services to employers whether such services be concerned with voluntary compliance activities or enforcement activities; assisting with litigation efforts; or providing information for grant applications.

Supervision Given: Provides direction to Occupational Safety Supervisors and/or Industrial Hygienist Supervisors and clerical support personnel.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from the Occupational Safety and Health Assistant Commissioner.

Scope: Positions in this class direct divisional and statewide occupational safety and/or health programs affecting not only a wide range of agency activities, but also affecting the activities of employers within the Commonwealth. Such positions thereby affect the occupational safety and health of employees and communities of the Commonwealth.

Impact of Actions: Decisions and actions could have serious impact on the agency in that continued ineffective direction could result in serious long-term employer and state costs in terms of time, money, services, and client goodwill. In addition, mismanagement could result in the loss of the State’s Plan for the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act or a reduction in the status of the program. Effective job performance ensures safe, healthy work environments statewide.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with state agencies, federal agencies, community service departments, attorneys, legislators, employees, labor union representatives and the general public regarding occupational health and safety issues and activities.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational safety and/or health enforcement, compliance, and/or training. Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal occupational safety and/or health standards, and of industrial and construction operations. Considerable knowledge of administrative functions such as policy development, interpretation and implementation; budget development and implementation; and personnel management. Some knowledge of the use of safety and/or health equipment relevant to the position.

Skills: None.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, implement and direct an occupational health and/or safety program for a complex, statewide operation; to analyze a broad range of occupational health and/or safety issues; to develop and implement resolutions. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and writing with diverse groups of employees, employers, citizens, and government officials; to interpret laws, policies, and standards regulating occupational health and/or safety activities; and to manage a group of professional, technical and clerical support personnel.

OUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licensed or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in 1ndustrlal engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial safety, industrial hygiene or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in the field of occupational health and/or safety as a supervisor or engineer involved with the supervision of an occupational safety and/or health program.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This is a new class established effective in February 1989 as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class replaces the Occupational Safety Director, Voluntary Safety Compliance/Training Director and Industrial Hygiene Supervisor classes.

Last updated: 2/1/89