Jacob Thorson, CHMM, CIT

Experience

• 

  North Star Processing LLC

  Jun 2008 - Feb 2009

  Quality Control Chemist - Contract

  Manage the environmental monitoring programMonitor production for adherence to product specificationsReview batch records for compliance to proceeduresManage lab chemical and production pharmacuetical chemical inventorySample, test, and approve/reject raw materials for use in productionSample, test, and review finished product for compliance to finished goods specifications

• 

  Concordia University, St. Paul

  Aug 2009 - Nov 2009

  Administrative Assistant

  Prepare and present budget reports for the advisory counsilManange student employees' workSolicit donorsPlan events for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donorsDraft, design, and distribute the monthly newsletter to faculty, students, alumni, and donors

• 

  Apex International Mfg, Inc.

  Jan 2010 - Mar 2013

  Quality Assurance Analyst

  Monitor production for adherence to product specificationsDraft SOP's and work instructionsManage the chemical disposal process and aid with annual reporting and inspectionsTrain new employees to GMP and GLPApprove in-process product for useSample, test, and approve raw materials for useReview batch records for manufacturing complianceDevelop processes for identifying and handling hazardous materials and wastes

• 

  CHESS, Inc.

  Apr 2013 - Oct 2015

  EHS Technician

  Create workplace safety programs and manualsCreate workplace emergency contingency plansInspect workplaces for compliance with OSHA standardsInspect workplaces for compliance with EPA regulationsTrain employees to comply with EPA regulations concerning Hazardous waste and air quality permittingDraft environmental permit applications for client facilitiesHelp clients maintain permit conditions, including sampling, monitoring, and reportingDevelop and present business cases for environmental compliance Show less

• 

  Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (TM)

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  Vice President of the North Star Chapter
• 

  Target

  Oct 2015 - Jul 2016

  Sr. Environmental Specialist

  Develop lean processes for product classification teamClassify new products for environmental and transportation hazards before entrance to supply chainProvide shipping directions for off-process product handlingVerify accuracy of dangerous goods data from third party vendors

• 

  CHESS, Inc.

  Jul 2016 - Jul 2017

  EHS Consultant

  Create workplace safety programs and manualsCreate workplace emergency contingency plansInspect workplaces for compliance with OSHA standardsInspect workplaces for compliance with EPA regulationsTrain employees to comply with EPA regulations concerning Hazardous waste and air quality permittingDraft environmental permit applications for client facilitiesHelp clients maintain permit conditions, including sampling, monitoring, and reportingDevelop and present business cases for environmental compliance Show less

• 

  Spartan Motors, Inc.

  Jul 2017 - Jan 2019

  EHS Specialist

  Lead the Brandon facility to a 45% reduction in our recordables rate while increasing reporting of leading indicators in my first year resulting in $305K in work comp spend savings. Collaborated with other Spartan Motors campuses to help manage their environmental compliance and terminate our consulting firm resulting in a $53k savings per year in retainer fees.Developed the first ever budget for the safety expense account for 2018 including capital expenditure anticipated requestsOperate cross-functionally to develop and implement corporate EHS programs catered to our manufacturing processes six states.Communicate safety programs with all levels within the corporation and design programs that are easy to understand at all levels.Provide training that is catered to each employee whether it is their first day or an employee with an advanced understanding. Show less

• 

  MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc

  Jan 2019 - Feb 2021

  Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager

  Manage other EHS staff on site.Train all levels of employees on site for compliance with EHS regulations and company policiesCreate strategic plans for 2019 site safety and facility environmental complianceReview facility environmental permits and correct any deviation from permitted activities

• 

  Valmont Industries, Inc.

  Mar 2021 - Sept 2021

  Regional Safety Manager

  Manage safety staff at each of the 21 facilities, ranging in experience from 1 to 20 years in safety. Develop training for all levels of employees in compliance with safety regulations and company policiesTrain staff to perform a root cause analyses for safety incidents and/or trends. Train employees to develop and drive resulting CAPA to incident closure and prevention of recurrence. Developed core competency matrix in conjunction with other division safety leadership for safety staff at all levels. Developed training for BBS observations and feedback for use at all levels of employees. Show less

• 

  John Deere

  May 2022 - now

  Safety Analyst

  Compile and analyze necessary data, documentation and correspondence to comply with safety regulations and health and safety management system requirements.Develop recommendations for health and safety processes/programs to meet the John Deere health and safety standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations. Participates in unit strategic planning process.Coordinate safety audits and risk assessments to identify noncompliance with John Deere standards processes and applicable laws and regulations. Manages corrective action and preventative action processes.Lead incident investigations and ergonomic reviews and assists in determining effective corrective action.Review new products, equipment and processes for potential hazards and compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Makes recommendations if necessary prior to introduction.Respond to internal and external questions and requests for information relevant to safety and health issues from acquired knowledge and experience.Develop, coordinate, direct and conduct safety presentations and training.Manage workers compensation administration and return to work programs. Show less