Safety Specialist

Safety Specialist

Bartlesville, OK 74006 Start Date 06/25/2026

Position Type Full Time

Blue Whale Materials is an American recycling company producing a source of domestic critical minerals from battery material. We are building lithium-ion battery recycling facilities producing a high-quality black mass containing cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium in the first stage of a closed-loop solution for lithium-ion battery manufacturers. Blue Whale Materials has established its first recycling plant in Bartlesville, OK. As we grow, we are seeking talented and motivated candidates to join our team.

Compensation is based on experience.

The Safety Specialist is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the Environmental, Health & Safety programs at Blue Whale Materials' battery recycling facility. This role ensures that all operations comply with applicable regulatory requirements while fostering a proactive safety culture on the plant floor. The ideal candidate brings hands-on EHS experience in an industrial or chemical processing environment, the technical knowledge to manage hazardous materials safely, and the interpersonal skills to drive safety ownership at every level of the organization.

• Develop, implement, and maintain site-level safety programs, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Hazard Communication (Haz Com), Confined Space Entry, Hot Work, and PPE programs.
• Conduct regular site inspections and walkthroughs to identify hazards, document findings, and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Lead incident investigations (near-misses, first aids, recordables) using root-cause analysis methodologies; track corrective actions and verify effectiveness.
• Maintain OSHA 300/300A logs and ensure timely recording and reporting of all recordable incidents.
• Develop and update Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and Safe Work Procedures in collaboration with supervisors and operators.

• Ensure site compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state/local EHS regulations governing battery recycling and chemical processing operations.
• Manage hazardous waste programs in accordance with RCRA requirements, including proper labeling, storage, manifesting, and disposal.
• Coordinate DOT hazardous materials shipping compliance for all regulated outbound material, including black mass and ancillary waste streams.
• Support environmental permits (air, water, stormwater) and assist with required reporting and recordkeeping.
• Prepare for and facilitate regulatory inspections; maintain a state of continuous audit readiness.

• Develop and deliver safety training programs for new hire onboarding and ongoing workforce development, ensuring all personnel are trained to applicable standards.
• Facilitate toolbox talks, shift safety briefings, and hands-on demonstrations to reinforce safe behaviors at the point of work.
• Champion a zero-incident safety culture by building trust with front-line employees, encouraging near-miss reporting, and recognizing safe behaviors.
• Coordinate and document all required EHS training activities; maintain training records and track completion against compliance schedules.
• Partner with Operations leadership to integrate safety into daily production routines and pre-shift planning.

• Develop and maintain the site Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency contact protocols.
• Coordinate with local emergency responders (fire, HAZMAT) to ensure mutual understanding of site hazards and response procedures.
• Conduct periodic emergency drills (fire, spill, evacuation) and evaluate response effectiveness; identify and close gaps.
• Manage spill response procedures and maintain adequate spill containment and response equipment inventory.
• Serve as the site point of contact for safety-related incidents during normal operations and after-hours emergencies.

• Conduct or coordinate industrial hygiene monitoring (air sampling, noise surveys, exposure assessments) relevant to battery recycling processes and chemical hazards.
• Manage the site PPE program, including hazard assessments, selection, fit-testing, inspection, and replacement protocols.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals on site; ensure Haz Com compliance and chemical inventory accuracy.
• Monitor and control exposure to battery-specific hazards including heavy metals (cobalt, nickel, lithium), electrolyte solvents, and thermal runaway byproducts.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering on engineering controls and process changes to reduce hazard exposure at the source.

• Support Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams in integrating EHS requirements into daily workflows and capital projects.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams to review new processes, equipment, and materials for safety…