Original Composites and Fibers

About Us

Original Composites and Fiberglass is a global leader in glass reinforcement solutions for the composites industry. Recently separated from Owens Corning, the business now operates independently under the Praana ownership model, continuing a strong legacy of innovation, manufacturing excellence, and customer partnership.

Purpose of the Role

The EHS Specialist / Prevention Advisor is responsible for all aspects of Environmental, Health and Safety at the plant level and is the point of contact and support for the site.

They have the legal responsibility of the prevention advisory role for GR Belgium BV on the Zele site and is a hands-on expert who translates safety, environment, and well-being into concrete actions on the shop floor.

This role is strongly operational and plant-focused, with emphasis on day-to-day support and compliance. 

Key Responsibilities

Live the Safety Stand; adhere to the safety, health and environmental responsibilities

• Transform plant health, safety and environmental performance to levels that align with plant and Original Composites and Fiberglass division goals, ISO 14/45001 standards and legal compliancy according to the Belgian CODEX.
• Build and foster a safety culture among all plant employees
• Reduce the plant's environmental footprint in the community
• Support and help build a culture of health and wellness for all plant employees 

Develop skills and grow capabilities in the plant

• Execute and facilitate effectively actions coming Cross Audits / Safe Operation Model Assessments
• SIF standards deployment influencing the plant management team encouraging their direct leadership to avoid only EHS responsibility on this domain
• Assess effectiveness of plant leadership from an EHS perspective and provide developmental guidance as required
• Develop and implement training programs in a coordinated effort with appropriate plant personnel
• Demonstrate and promote the subject matter contained within the Excellence in Safety Leadership model
• Continually reinforce the company's stand on health, safety and environmental stewardship
• Develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of all critical EH&S processes, programs, and procedures
• Demonstrate a positive mindset focused on sharing and improving
• Set and accomplished critical metrics regularly to ensure continuous improvement in the processes that lead to an engaged EHS culture on the floor
• Recognize employee accomplishments and contributions 

Oversee compliance with governmental regulations, sustainability, ISO14/45001 certification and corporate programs

• Ensure regulatory compliance of all environmental permits and processes and works towards zero non compliancy remarks.
• Foster positive relationships with governmental agencies and work as a partner to improve the plant results
• Provide expert technical support in identifying and resolving critical regulatory issues
• Create, maintain, and oversee the compliance calendar for all regulatory and corporate requirements
• Effectively address enforcement actions for local, national or regional agencies 
• Ensure adherence to corporate policies and programs
• Perform gap analysis and implement gap reduction plans for ISO systems as an internal auditor
• Implement, develop and maintain an effective EHS System (ISO 14/45001)
• Actively champion sustainability collection and coordinate with corporate resources to ensure standardized reporting across the company

Job Requirements

Successful candidate in this role is a highly motivated self-starter who shows experience in gap analysis, project development, and action plan implementation to achieve a zero-injury and NOV (Notice of Violation) environment.

In addition to gap reduction, the successful candidate must demonstrate a background in team engagement.  The ideal candidate will be able to provide specific examples of creating a network with a strong focus on health, safety, environment and sustainability.

The candidate should have good experience in managing expectations from the Belgian CODEX for legal compliancy ('preventieadviseur niveau 2') as well for expectations to maintain ISO 14001 and 45001 certificates.

From a technical point of view the successful candidate should have skills and expertise in Original Composites and Fiberglass domains: working from heights, guarding and physical protections, Lock Tag Try, interaction between people and machines, chemicals, industrial hygiene, power industrial vehicles (lift trucks etc.), electrical safety and confined spaces.

The candidate should be able to demonstrate ability in interacting with all levels of the plant.  The candidate should show a structured approach in effective communication and empathy to influence positively people and safe behaviours. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EHS or related fields, such as industrial hygiene, engineering, or science
• Minimum Belgian Prevention advisory level 2

Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in an industrial environment with responsibilities for health, safety and environmental functions according to the Belgian CODEX
• Experience with ISO Management systems
• Experience effectively engaging employees & creating a strong Safety culture
• Experience developing risk reduction plans, short-term mitigation techniques and executing action plans
• Experience working with regulatory agencies

Knowledge and skills:

• Strong working knowledge of environmental, health, and safety compliance law and industrial hygiene
• Lead by example and effective communication skills
• Empathic, energize and inspire others through collaboration and teamwork
• Influencing skills to lead cross-functional teams and management to achieve objectives
• Adept at developing and delivering safety training
• Skillful in driving and managing change
• Fluent in English