Safety Trainer at Behlen Mfg Co. – Columbus, Nebraska

Position Summary

The Safety Trainer is responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining all safety-related training programs across Behlen Mfg. Co. to ensure compliance with OSHA, state, federal, and company safety standards. This role supports a large metal-manufacturing operation by providing effective, hands-on training that promotes safe behaviors, reduces risk, and ensures all partners have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in high-hazard environments.

Key Responsibilities

Training Development & Delivery

• Develop, schedule, and conduct safety training sessions for all departments, including new-hire orientation, annual refresher training, and job-specific competency programs.
• Deliver training in compliance with OSHA regulations, including but not limited to:
  • Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Confined Space
  • PPE and Respiratory Protection
  • Hot Work / Welding Safety
  • Powered Industrial Trucks
  • Fall Protection
  • Hearing Conservation
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Crane Safety
  • Powered Vehicles
  • Electrical Safety
  • Maintenance Control Safety
  • Storm Water
  • Environmental programs
• Facilitate hands-on skills assessments for equipment, tools, and high-hazard manufacturing processes.
• Maintain, update, and standardize training materials, presentations, videos, and tests.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all training meets OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, and Behlen corporate standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely training records through the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Track required certifications, renewals, and employee compliance status.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and demonstrating training process compliance.

Safety Program Support

• Assist in developing and implementing safety policies, procedures, and safe-work practices.
• Partner with supervisors and managers to identify department-specific training needs.
• Conduct periodic workplace observations to verify training effectiveness and identify additional risks.
• Participate in incident investigations to identify training opportunities and help develop corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate training results and implement improvements to increase retention and engagement.
• Monitor manufacturing processes and equipment changes to update training needs proactively.
• Stay current with OSHA standards, regulatory updates, and best-practice methods for adult learning.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Technology, Training & Development, or related field preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in safety training within manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial environments required.
• Prior experience with OSHA training content strongly preferred.
• Train-the-Trainer certifications (PIT, Aerial Lift, First Aid/CPR, etc.) a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and presentation abilities across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead engaging, hands-on training in a production environment.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and industry standards for metal manufacturing.
• Comfortable working on the production floor around welders, fabrication equipment, cranes, forklifts, and high-noise areas.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple training schedules.
• Proficiency with LMS systems, PowerPoint, and digital training tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk manufacturing floors, and conduct hands-on demonstrations for extended periods.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs. when handling training materials or safety equipment.
• Ability to wear PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and respiratory protection as needed.

Work Environment

• Office setting for administrative work and classroom training.
• Frequent exposure to active manufacturing areas with welders, fabrication machinery, forklifts, overhead cranes, and industrial noise.