EHS & Regulatory Compliance at BGF Industries – Altavista, Virginia

About BGF Industries

BGF Industries is a leading U.S. manufacturer of innovative technical fiber materials used worldwide in aerospace, marine, automotive, filtration, insulation, electrical, and protective markets. Since 1941, BGF has built a reputation for engineering excellence, product integrity, and continuous innovation.

Headquartered in Danville, Virginia, with multiple manufacturing facilities across Virginia and South Carolina, BGF delivers advanced fiber-based solutions that meet demanding performance standards for strength, heat resistance, and durability.

Our mission is simple but powerful:

“Deliver excellence in every product, every process, every time.”

Primary Function:

Work to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Lead company Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety plans, coordinate its activities at all US sites, and develop monitoring systems for variables affecting emissions and equipment performance. Performs random EHS and Regulatory Compliance inspections as necessary to ensure all locations are compliant with all OSHA, Environmental and all other Regulatory requirements. Coordinate/Assist in the EHS training needs of the company. Assist in orientation to the facilities for new employees as necessary.

Machines/Tools/Equipment Used: Be able to operate assigned equipment, use common hand tools, and devices for calculating, planning, organizing, and controlling job

Materials Used: Paper, pen, pencil, computer, handheld monitoring devices, all PPE safety and environmental equipment

Supervision Received: President

Direction Exercised: None

Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Plan, organize and communicate the environmental policies required by law and ensure that the proper permits are obtained and maintained
2. Provide all plants/locations with EHS guidance, education, training and service; Visit all regularly
3. Root Cause Analysis - Oversee and/or lead incident investigations and verifies implementation of corrective action for all EHS incidents and assist manufacturing with issues as needed
4. Coordinate with R&D and other support services for EHS affairs and seek alternatives to solid waste disposal through possible recycling avenues
5. Keep open lines of communication with state and federal regulators; coordinate and keep compliant with OSHA, DOT, DEQ and EPA regulations and provide all reports required by the regulating agencies in a timely manner.
6. Stay current with RCRA certification; as well as DOT and other shipping certifications annually
7. Coordinate environmental compliance with local government for each facility (Waste Water, Etc.)
8. Direct all EHS control functions within the company for the US; work to maintain an accident free/accident reduction awareness culture
9. Establish/maintain internal monitoring procedures to assure compliance to all emissions regulations: Air, Water, Solid Waste
10. Oversee control of incoming SDS’s for all sites. Perform review before release to facilities
11. Keep up to date with changes in regulatory and compliance issues affecting the company and advise management on the recommended course of action for compliance
12. Maintain access security system(s) for facilities
13. Assist HR regarding employee orientation for new hires into the organization
14. Coordinate and maintain site EHS programs and update individual facility procedures as necessary
15. Coordinate, maintain and update individual site Job Safety Analysis
16. Randomly inspect all US facilities for overall OSHA and Environmental Compliance
17. Responsible for all EHS issues including reports, compliance audits, meetings and visits from the DEQ, OSHA and EPA
18. Work with Facility Managers, Department Managers and Supervisors on any and all job training needs concerning EHS and Regulatory Compliance [Hazardous Waste and Universal Waste Handling & Disposal]
19. Work with HR to review and execute Job Safety Evaluations for all facilities.
20. Develop, execute and monitor EHS policies, initiatives, and procedures that align with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards; ensuring these policies are communicated and executed effectively throughout the organization
21. Monitor regulatory compliance changes by staying informed and continuously reviewing periodicals and the Federal Register. Keep informed on risks to the company with Import/Export compliance and adherence to Federal Laws and Regulations, as well as customer compliance with products and services
22. Assist Research and Development with products and data sheets for customers, gain knowledge of components for global Safety Data Sheet compliance
23. Any other duties as assigned by Direct Manager

Physical Requirements:

(x) Fingering Example of ability: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling

(x) Grasping Example of ability: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm

(x) Repetitive Motions Example of ability: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands and/or fingers

(x) Walking Example of ability: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one site to another

(x) Standing Example of ability: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time

(x) Balancing Example of ability: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or crouching on narrow slippery or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium

(x) Climbing Example of ability: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion

(x) Stooping Example of ability: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.

(x) Kneeling Example of ability: Bending legs at the knee to come to a rest on the knee or knees

(x) Crouching Example of ability: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine

(x) Crawling Example of ability: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet

(x) Reaching Example of ability: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction

(x) Pulling Example of ability: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion

(x) Lifting Example of ability: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles. Never personally exceeding 51 pounds without assistance – mechanical or otherwise

(x) Visual Acuity Example of ability: Sufficient to detect color – Must be correctable to 20/40

(x) Hearing Example of ability: Adequate to communicate over the phone and engage in normal conversation

(x) Other Licensure required to operate a motor vehicle; industrial powered truck or similar device up to 20 times/shift

Environmental/Safety Risk Requirements: Exposure to Fiberglass, fly, dust, finishing fumes or other chemicals. Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment as required by task

Mandatory Prerequisites: Mandatory Four-year degree in a related discipline with 5-7 years+ experience in a Manufacturing environment in EHS/Compliance role. Must be able to work any shift and travel as necessary

Preferred: 10 years+ experience in a Manufacturing, Current RCRA, DOT and OSHA certifications, Auditor certification is a plus. Working knowledge of global EHS compliance and regulations; US and EU customer compliance

Assessments: Medical-Vision-Hearing-Color

Skills Required to be Successful:

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in MS Office for necessary reporting

Attention to detail.

Strong leadership skills.

A positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Willingness to work overtime if required.

Excellent time management skills.