Safety Specialist

Ellaway Blues Consulting is seeking a Field Safety Specialist in Long Beach, CA. This role involves implementing safety programs, conducting audits, providing training, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Key responsibilities include hazard identification, risk mitigation, and collaboration with project teams to promote a safety-first culture. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a background in construction safety. Relevant certifications are preferred.
The Field Safety Specialist plays a critical role in fostering and ensuring a culture of safety within the organization’s operations. Reporting to the Safety Supervisor, this position is responsible for implementing and enforcing safety programs, conducting field safety audits, providing in-field training, and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. This role requires proactive hazard identification, risk mitigation, and collaboration with field teams to prioritize the safety and well-being of employees and contractors.

The Field Safety Specialist will collaborate closely with project teams, field personnel, and leadership to monitor job sites, provide guidance on best practices, and drive continuous improvement in safety performance. A deep understanding of construction processes, strong communication skills, and a passion for cultivating a safe and efficient work environment are essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities:

Safety Program Implementation
• Promote and enhance a safety-first culture through collaboration and active engagement with field crews.
• Implement and enforce the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) along with all relevant policies and industry regulations.

Site Inspections and Audits
• Conduct daily field safety audits to identify hazards and assess compliance with safety standards.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, document findings, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support field teams in promoting a “Good Catch/Near Miss” program to identify and share lessons learned.

Hazard Identification and Risk Mitigation
• Assist field leaders in developing Jobsite Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and recommend controls for mitigating risks.
• Monitor field operations for changing conditions and communicate adjustments as necessary.

Training and Education
• Provide coaching and training on safety topics, JHA development, and effective communication techniques.
• Deliver field-level safety training and toolbox talks to employees and contractors.
• Collaborate with the Safety Supervisor to update training materials and develop new programs as needed.

Incident Response and Reporting
• Train field crews in the incident reporting process and ensure competency in compliance.
• Respond to safety incidents, conduct thorough investigations, and provide on-site support as required.

Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure adherence to all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Maintain organized safety documentation, including permits, logs, and training records for assigned projects.

Collaboration and Communication
• Act as a liaison between field crews and management, ensuring risks, training needs, and lessons learned are effectively communicated.
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to the development of site-specific safety plans.

Continuous Improvement
• Analyze safety data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend innovative solutions.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new initiatives to enhance overall safety performance.

Qualifications:

Education and Certifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred certifications: OSHA 30, OSHA 510, Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Experience
• 3-5 years of experience in heavy underground construction, including hazard identification and safety audits.

Knowledge and Skills
• In-depth understanding of OSHA, DOT, and other applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Familiarity with pipeline construction processes, including excavation, trenching, confined spaces, and heavy equipment operations.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend controls for workplace hazards.

Technical Skills
• Proficiency in safety management software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Strong skills in preparing reports, presentations, and safety documentation.

Communication and Leadership
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence personnel at all levels.
• Competence in delivering effective training and presentations to field teams and management.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme weather and uneven terrain.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks requiring extended periods of standing, walking, or climbing.

Additional Requirements
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Adaptability to changing project requirements and schedules.