Job Title: Safety Manager (Specialty Construction Industry - Mechanical and Plumbing)
Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: President
Position Overview:
The Safety Manager for the specialty construction industry will be responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of safety management on construction sites. This position will ensure that all construction operations comply with safety regulations, best practices, and company policies, ensuring the protection of employees, contractors, and the community. The manager will lead safety initiatives, monitor risk factors, and implement strategies to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property.
This role requires a deep understanding of construction-specific hazards, industry regulations, and effective safety programs. The Safety Manager will work closely with project managers, site supervisors, and senior leadership within mechanical and plumbing teams to drive a culture of safety across the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safety Strategy & Leadership:
- Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive safety strategy specifically for construction operations.
- Ensure that safety goals are aligned with both short-term and long-term project objectives.
- Promote a safety-first culture within the construction team, including subcontractors and field employees, to ensure everyone is actively engaged in safety practices.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure full compliance with OSHA, local construction safety laws, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and other industry-specific standards (e.g., ANSI, NFPA, DOT).
- Regularly review and interpret construction safety regulations and update policies and procedures accordingly.
- Manage and track safety compliance across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all necessary permits and licenses are current.
- Construction Site Safety Monitoring:
- Oversee daily safety operations across all construction sites, ensuring all activities are performed with a focus on safety.
- Conduct routine inspections and audits of active construction sites to identify potential safety hazards and enforce safety procedures.
- Review construction site risk assessments and provide recommendations for eliminating or mitigating risks such as falls, equipment malfunctions, hazardous materials exposure, and electrical hazards.
- Incident Management & Reporting:
- Investigate construction site accidents, injuries, and near misses, ensuring that root causes are identified and corrective actions are implemented.
- Prepare detailed reports of incidents, including analysis and recommendations, and ensure timely submission to relevant stakeholders.
- Lead efforts to ensure swift medical response and follow-up care in case of incidents or accidents.
- Training & Development:
- Develop and implement safety training programs tailored to the unique hazards and regulations of the construction industry (e.g., fall protection, scaffolding, heavy equipment).
- Conduct hands-on safety drills (e.g., CPR, first aid, evacuation procedures) and ensure that employees and contractors are up-to-date on all safety training certifications.
- Educate all construction site staff on safe work practices, PPE requirements, and hazard communication protocols.
- Emergency Response & Crisis Management:
- Design and maintain emergency response plans for various construction-related incidents (e.g., structural failures, fires, equipment accidents).
- Coordinate and lead safety drills, ensuring preparedness for emergencies like site evacuations, chemical spills, and severe weather events.
- Provide immediate support during emergencies, ensuring the safety of all personnel and directing evacuation or emergency medical efforts.
- Collaboration & Communication:
- Collaborate with project managers, field supervisors, and subcontractors to ensure safety practices are integrated into every phase of construction projects.
- Advise senior leadership and stakeholders on safety-related trends, potential risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Prepare and present detailed safety reports, metrics, and recommendations on safety performance and areas for improvement.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Continually assess and refine safety programs, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement to reduce incidents and improve safety performance on construction sites.
- Stay informed about the latest trends in construction safety technology, regulatory changes, and best practices, incorporating new solutions into the company's safety strategy.
- Benchmark safety performance against industry standards and strive to exceed them.
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health, HVAC and Plumbing Construction Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Certifications:
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), or similar safety-related certification preferred.
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification required (OSHA 500/510 instructor certification preferred).
- First Aid/CPR certification required.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in safety management, with experience within the construction industry.
- In-depth experience in managing safety on large-scale construction projects, including residential, commercial, or industrial construction.
- Strong understanding of construction site hazards, safety systems, and regulatory compliance.
- Skills:
- Expertise in construction safety management, hazard assessment, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Proficiency in construction safety software, incident reporting tools, and MS Office Suite.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence employees at all levels.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills, able to handle multiple projects with competing priorities.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to conduct regular site visits, inspections, and audits at active construction sites, which may involve exposure to loud environments, heights, and heavy machinery.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs as needed.
- Ability to work in varied weather conditions and climb ladders or scaffolding.
Work Environment:
- The Safety Manager will split their time between an office environment and construction job sites, which may require travel to multiple locations across Chicago or surrounding areas.
- Regular site visits to active construction projects are required, with potential exposure to hazardous conditions that require proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Compensation:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k).
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
License/Certification:
- Certified Safety Professional (Preferred)
- OSHA 30 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60660 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60660: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
