Johnny Nugent
Prince George
Summary
Risk Management Specialist who is experienced in both private and public sector environments, including Gerdau Long Steel North America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a strong focus on OSHA compliance, workplace safety training, and regulatory risk management. Proven track record of significantly reducing workplace injury rates through the development and implementation of effective training programs, incident investigations, and proactive safety protocols.
Highly proficient in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting a culture of safety awareness across all organizational levels. Skilled in data analysis, emergency response planning, and incident management, with a history of driving measurable improvements in safety performance. Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and aligning stakeholders around the shared goal of reducing the frequency and severity of workers' compensation claims.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Risk Management Specialist
COV DHRM Office of Workers' Compensation
Richmond
05.2017 - Current
- Managed a comprehensive evaluation program for state agencies’ loss control and safety initiatives.
- Monitored agency goals and data to support reduction in workplace injuries and improve safety outcomes.
- Delivered safety and risk management training both in-person and virtually to enhance program reach and effectiveness.
- Oversaw contractors responsible for implementing loss control activities across the Commonwealth.
- Collaborated with internal departments to reduce the frequency and severity of Workers' Compensation claims.
- Prepared detailed risk assessment reports to support executive decision-making.
- Utilized Excel pivot tables and charts to analyze data and ensure accurate reporting.
- Conducted site inspections to identify hazards, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate injury risks.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs tailored to departmental needs.
- Designed and coordinated a Safety Training Certificate Program for new professionals entering the safety field.
- Scheduled and facilitated training sessions for both state agencies and the internal Loss Control Team.
- Supported Agency Account Representatives and fostered a collaborative, integrated approach within the Loss Control Division.
Industrial Hygiene Associate
Tech Talenta Inc.
Richmond
03.2017 - 05.2017
- Reviewed and revised the Industrial Hygiene Policy to ensure alignment with current federal and state regulations.
- Developed and implemented an Area Sound Measurement Procedure to map noise levels and determine appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Coordinated with departmental teams to facilitate the safe and compliant disposal of hazardous materials.
- Assisted with the implementation of new Industrial Hygiene software to improve recordkeeping and equipment calibration tracking.
- Supported the transition to a new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management system for DuPont, enhancing chemical inventory tracking and reducing paper-based documentation.
- Collaborated with the Industrial Hygiene team to conduct air monitoring assessments, identifying exposure risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Safety Specialist II
Gerdau Long Steel North America - MRM
09.2015 - 01.2017
- Oversaw safety operations for 13 locations across the United States and provided safety support to 10 Canadian facilities.
- Scheduled and reviewed all Industrial Hygiene testing; implemented corrective actions and recommendations from assessment reports.
- Completed OSHA 300 Logs and ensured timely submission of injury and illness reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored and tracked key safety performance indicators, including DART Rate, Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR), and Severity Rate.
- Implemented targeted safety procedures that successfully reduced the Severity Rate across the Division.
- Created monthly crew safety training review slide decks to reinforce key safety messages and ensure consistency across locations.
- Reviewed and vetted safety training videos for content accuracy and compliance with OSHA standards and company policies.
- Managed Workers’ Compensation claims, ensuring proper documentation, follow-up, and resolution.
- Actively supported Joint Safety and Health Committees at all operational sites, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Revised and standardized the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan and Emergency Action Plan for all locations.
- Led the transition from MSDS to SDS to maintain compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
- Assessed PPE usage across sites; provided recommendations and ensured appropriate selection and use.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive New Hire Safety Training Program to support onboarding and compliance.
- Coordinated FM Global inspections and ensured timely execution of all recommended corrective actions.
- Investigated all incidents and near misses, conducted root cause analyses, and provided recommendations to prevent recurrence.
- Traveled to Gerdau locations during major maintenance outages to provide 24-hour safety coverage and ensure compliance with all safety protocols.
Safety Specialist I
Gerdau Long Steel North America
Petersburg
06.2013 - 10.2015
- Provided support to the Joint Health and Safety Committee for the Melt Shop, fostering collaboration on safety initiatives.
- Coordinated certification courses for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to ensure readiness and compliance.
- Managed all activities and training for the Emergency Response Team, ensuring preparedness for site-wide emergencies.
- Delivered monthly safety training sessions for all departments to reinforce best practices and regulatory compliance.
- Analyzed and tested Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); provided recommendations to ensure proper protection based on job-specific hazards.
- Conducted New Hire Safety Training to ensure onboarding employees understood safety policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Performed regular safety observations to verify adherence to company policies and OSHA standards.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures based on hazard assessments and operational needs.
- Investigated all incidents and near misses; performed root cause analyses and made recommendations to prevent recurrence.
- Traveled to additional Gerdau facilities to support large-scale maintenance outages by providing 24-hour safety coverage.
- Led a multi-million dollar project to replace the facility’s radio communication system, ensuring reliable emergency and operational communication.
Senior Protective Services and Safety Officer
Gerdau Long Steel North America
Petersburg
09.1999 - 06.2013
- Conducted safety meetings and training sessions for employees and contractors in accordance with OSHA standards and company policies.
- Developed a cost-effective in-house flu vaccination program, increasing employee participation and reducing healthcare-related expenses.
- Served as Chief Operations Officer for the Gerdau EMS Agency, ensuring full compliance with the Office of EMS regulations.
- Trained employees to serve as Safety Champions during outages, downtime, and after-hours when safety personnel were not on-site.
- Managed the facility’s fire protection systems, including inspections, maintenance, and compliance with state fire codes.
- Coordinated FM Global inspections and oversaw the implementation of all recommended corrective actions.
- Responded to medical emergencies and provided pre-hospital treatment and transport of sick or injured individuals.
- Led fire, environmental, and security response operations, mitigating emergency situations on and around the facility grounds.
- Conducted and assisted with incident investigations to determine root causes and develop preventive measures.
- Delivered OSHA training, conducted internal safety audits, and supported Global Business System (GBS) audit processes.
- Assisted with contractor compliance related to the Gerdau Safety Requirements System (GSRS).
- Planned and scheduled all maintenance and inspection activities for fire protection systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
- Facilitated onboarding safety training for new hires and departmental personnel.
- Developed protocols to enhance emergency medical services, improving patient care and response times.
- Played a key role in the implementation of an in-house Hearing Conservation Program to monitor and protect employee hearing health.
- Managed all SAP purchasing and maintenance functions for the Safety and Security Department.
- Planned, installed, and maintained plant-wide radio and emergency alert systems, ensuring operational readiness.
- Served as Chairman of the Gerdau Technical Rescue Team, providing specialized emergency response capabilities.
- Held the position of Vice President of the local EMS council, supporting regional emergency medical initiatives.
- Coordinated a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) training course for the Petersburg Mill.
- Led air and noise monitoring initiatives to assess environmental exposure risks and recommend control measures.
- Developed new patient care protocols, Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) guidelines, and inspection standards for the Gerdau EMS Agency.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Occupational Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, ALOrange Beach, AL
Skills
- SAP and MS Office Suite
- Safety data management
- Statistical reporting
- Employee coaching
- Training program development
- OSHA compliance
- Risk assessment and loss control
- Incident investigation and response
- Data analysis and trend identification
- Regulatory compliance and industrial hygiene
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Project management and problem-solving
Community Service
Carson Volunteer Fire Department – Carson, VA
Past President | Logistics Officer | Lieutenant Firefighter/Medic
- Responded to a wide range of emergencies to protect life, property, and the environment.
- Held leadership roles within the department, including President and Logistics Officer, supporting strategic planning and resource management.
- Assisted with administrative responsibilities, including training coordination, documentation, and policy implementation.
- Actively engaged with the local community to promote fire prevention, injury reduction, and general safety awareness.
- Supported recruitment and retention efforts for volunteer personnel.
Prince George County Fire and EMS – Prince George County, VA
Member, Radio Communications Advisory Group
- Participated in county-wide efforts to improve emergency radio communications infrastructure and interoperability.
Volunteer Infection Control Officer
- Provided infection control guidance and response planning to reduce health risks to responders and the community.
- Advised on best practices related to exposure prevention, PPE use, and infection reporting protocols.
Certification
- OSHA 10-Hour 1910 General Industry
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction (Complete August 2025)
- OSHA 501 - Authorized Instructor
- OSHA 511
- Emergency Vehicle Operation Instructor
- Traffic Incident Management Train the Trainer ( Complete August 2025)
- American Heart Basic Life Support Instructor
- FireFighter I & II
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- Emergency Medical Technician
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Risk Management Specialist
COV DHRM Office of Workers' Compensation
05.2017 - Current
Industrial Hygiene Associate
Tech Talenta Inc.
03.2017 - 05.2017
Safety Specialist II
Gerdau Long Steel North America - MRM
09.2015 - 01.2017
Safety Specialist I
Gerdau Long Steel North America
06.2013 - 10.2015
Senior Protective Services and Safety Officer
Gerdau Long Steel North America
09.1999 - 06.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Occupational Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University
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