Ernest Flores ASP, SMP,

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE): Developed and implemented comprehensive HSE policies and procedures aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, etc.). Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify hazards and proactively mitigate operational risks. Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations; prepare for and manage inspections and audits from regulatory agencies. Collaborate with executive leadership to define and drive safety performance goals, supporting a proactive, zero-incident safety culture. Analyze safety performance metrics and conduct thorough root cause analyses of incidents; implement corrective and preventive measures to drive continuous improvement. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, including safety records, incident reports, and training logs. Human Resources (HR): Lead the development and execution of HR strategies focused on talent acquisition, retention, and organizational development. Manage performance management processes including goal setting, evaluations, feedback, and career development plans. Oversee compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness, internal equity, and employee well-being. Ensure compliance with labor laws, HR policies, and ethical standards in all people-related matters. Provide guidance on employee relations issues, resolving conflicts, and fostering a fair, respectful, and inclusive work environment. Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on all HSE and HR matters, aligning people and safety initiatives with business objectives. Drive the long-term vision for HSE and HR, positioning the company as an industry leader in safety performance and workforce engagement.

Lead company-wide injury case management, ensuring timely reporting, treatment coordination, and effective return-to-work strategies. Develop, review, and continuously improve safety policies and procedures to align with evolving regulations and industry best practices. Serve as the Corporate Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), managing compliance for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) operations, training, monitoring, and documentation. Provide expert HSE guidance and regulatory interpretation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and client-specific requirements. Lead and support incident investigations, including root cause analysis and development of corrective and preventive actions. Track, analyze, and report safety performance using both leading and lagging indicators to drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Conduct routine safety audits and inspections to proactively identify hazards and implement corrective actions across operational sites. Serve as the company administrator and subject matter expert for third-party Safety Management Systems (e.g., ISNetworld, Veriforce, Avetta), ensuring accurate data entry, contractor compliance, and audit readiness. Oversee the planning and execution of new corporate safety initiatives, including change management, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Oversee and manage all corporate insurance and legal claims, including general liability, workers' compensation, and property loss, ensuring timely resolution and risk mitigation. Lead injury case management processes, coordinating treatment plans, modified duty, and return-to-work strategies in collaboration with HR and operations. Review, revise, and implement safety policies and procedures to align with regulatory changes, industry standards, and company goals. Serve as the Corporate Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), managing compliance and safety practices for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) operations. Track and analyze safety performance using leading and lagging indicators; provide data-driven insights to support continuous improvement initiatives. Provide subject matter expertise in HSE compliance, ensuring alignment with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other federal, state, and local regulations. Support and review incident investigations, facilitating root cause analyses and corrective action development to prevent recurrence. Direct the management and nationwide coordination of the company’s COVID-19 program, including protocol development, employee communication, and case tracking.

Provide expert support for Process Safety incident screening, ensuring proper classification and follow-up on incident details to enable accurate reporting and investigation. Lead and support the implementation of the PSM Tiered Audit Program, including conducting Tier 1 audits, identifying gaps, and reporting findings across multiple elements (Emergency Response, Incident Investigation, Safe Work Practices, Employee Participation, Trade Secrets, etc.). Track, analyze, and communicate key PSM metrics by developing data-driven reports with charts and graphs to support performance monitoring and continuous improvement. Serve as the PSM Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned operating units, including the Ultra Cracker Unit, Naphtha Desulfurizing Unit, Aromatic Unit #2, Environmental Facility, Power Station 2, and Sulfur Recovery Unit. Perform verification of action item closures and recommendations from audits, PHAs, and incident investigations to ensure effective resolution and accountability. Lead and coach multidisciplinary teams in incident investigations, applying root cause analysis methodologies and facilitating knowledge transfer to strengthen process safety culture. Conduct standards assessment verifications by ensuring local procedures conform with corporate PSM standards and following up on corrective actions identified through gap assessments.

Managed the full lifecycle of occupational injuries, ensuring timely and appropriate medical care, accurate injury classification per OSHA regulations, and effective case management to prevent escalation. Maintained detailed and compliant injury files while serving as the primary liaison between injured employees, occupational health clinics, and internal stakeholders. Established and sustained strong working relationships with local occupational health providers to streamline care coordination and response. Provided 24/7 support for injury notifications, ensuring timely communication to leadership and health services, regardless of incident timing. Tracked and analyzed injury data to identify trends and emerging risks, utilizing custom-built dashboards, charts, and reports on a daily, weekly, monthly, and year-to-date basis. Delivered consistent and targeted reporting on injury performance metrics to operational leadership, supporting data-driven decision-making. Provided dedicated support during facility turnarounds, managing and reporting injury data specific to turnaround activities to track performance and ensure contractor safety alignment.

Managed site-level litigation claims in coordination with Marathon's legal team and outside counsel, supporting legal discovery, employee interviews, site visits, and depositions. Filed and tracked Workers’ Compensation and General Liability claims through the third-party administrator (TPA), ensuring accuracy in billing and timely reimbursement of employee out-of-pocket expenses. Maintained organized and compliant records of all claims and legal documentation at the site level. Reviewed and archived final legal versions of incident investigations to ensure completeness and accessibility for legal and compliance purposes. Partnered closely with the site physician and nursing staff to support injured employees requiring advanced medical care, facilitating smooth transitions and communication throughout the treatment process.

Managed site-level litigation claims in partnership with BP’s legal department and outside counsel, coordinating employee interviews, legal discovery processes, site visits, and depositions to support robust defense and compliance. Filed and administered Workers’ Compensation and General Liability claims through third-party administrators, ensuring accurate billing verification and prompt reimbursement of employee out-of-pocket medical expenses. Served as Site Administrator for the Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), overseeing participation and claims management for 16 contractor companies, including enrollment into the Texas Healthcare Network. Collaborated with contractor management to review claims and ensure consistent communication and resolution across all parties. Maintained and reviewed final legal copies of incident investigations, ensuring proper documentation and accessibility for legal and compliance needs. Worked closely with the site physician and nursing staff to coordinate care for work-related injuries requiring advanced medical treatment, facilitating seamless communication and case management.

Served as an Owner Member of the Houston Business Roundtable and led audit teams for the Annual Safety Excellence Award over multiple years, demonstrating commitment to industry-wide safety standards. Coordinated contractor training programs to ensure all site contractors met BP’s HSSE training requirements and maintained regulatory compliance. Supervised and coordinated HSSE activities focused on improving contractor safety performance through targeted training, coaching, and engagement initiatives. Reviewed and updated HSSE policies to ensure comprehensive guidance and effective management of contractor safety programs. Participated in contractor safety councils and served on the Owner Advisory Board for the Contractor Safety Council of Texas City to foster collaboration and continuous improvement. Assessed contractor safety personnel skill levels and provided mentoring to enhance their competency and overall development. Collaborated with site resources to conduct audits for compliance with contractor HSSE management systems, policies, and procedures. Supported management of site background screening processes conducted by third-party providers, ensuring contractor personnel met company standards. Assisted in administering the site’s Drug and Alcohol Program (NASAP) for contractors, including oversight of hair testing through Psychemedics. Managed contractor audit programs, including Process Safety Management (PSM) audits, ensuring contractor adherence to site safety standards. Oversaw the onsite contractor first aid facility, ensuring timely and effective medical support. Led and participated in contractor safety meetings to promote communication, hazard awareness, and safety culture across all contractors onsite.

Implemented and enforced company Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA, and client-specific regulations and standards. Administered and coordinated First Aid and CPR training programs, ensuring workforce readiness and emergency response capabilities. Delivered comprehensive safety training including Company and Plant Orientation, Task Hazard Identification, Equipment Operation, and Personal Protective Equipment usage to promote a strong safety culture. Conducted regular job site inspections and thorough incident investigations to identify hazards, enforce corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. Applied case management skills to effectively oversee on-the-job injury management, facilitating timely care and return-to-work processes. Oversaw safety performance and compliance across multiple project sites as Regional Safety Manager, driving consistency and continuous improvement. Supervised and mentored a team of 3–4 Safety Supervisors at various locations, fostering leadership development and operational excellence.