Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Construction Safety Officer
A Construction Safety Officer is a professional who plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers at construction sites. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing safety policies and procedures, conducting inspections, identifying potential hazards, and promoting a culture of safety within the construction industry. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Construction Safety Officers.
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Main Responsibilities of a Construction Safety Officer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Construction Safety Officer:
Administer
Administer first-aid as necessary.
Administer the WHMIS training program.
Advise
Advise and instruct on various safety-related topics (noise levels, use of machinery etc.).
Advise on appropriate protective equipment and on the cost of implementing changes.
Advise the Site Superintendent of Corrective Actions Identified.
Assist in
Assist in investigations and complete related documentation.
Assist injured workers in obtaining modified duties and administer the return to work policy.
Assist in organizing of trades including safety / trades manual.
Assist in the administration, documentation and management of the Company's COR program.
Assist in the development and implementation of safety incentive programs.
Assist in the planning and startup of new projects with respect to safety issues.
Assist in the selection and procurement of safety equipment and supplies.
Assist site management and employees with safety programs, participation and compliance.
Assist with labour duties and site maintenance.
Attend
Attend applicable safety meetings including toolbox talks where required.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with project managers and site supervisors to address safety concerns and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with regulatory agencies during inspections and investigations.
Collect
Collect trade safety paperwork before commencement of work.
Communicate
Communicate safety requirements to all on site.
Complete
Complete and send all required documentation to Head Office.
Complete daily site inspections.
Conduct
Conduct daily head counts.
Conduct daily onsite safety inspections as required by Onni's Health & Safety Program.
Conduct daily orientations as required.
Conduct daily site / public hazard assessments and assign corrective actions accordingly.
Conduct emergency response drills and ensure adequate preparedness for potential incidents.
Conduct field level safety meetings, tool box talks, and health and safety informational awareness.
Conduct health, safety & environment meetings and toolbox talks.
Conduct new worker safety orientations.
Conduct OHS orientations as required.
Conduct regular safety drills and exercises to assess preparedness.
Conduct regular safety inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate potential hazards.
Conduct risk assessments and enforce preventative measures.
Conduct safety assessments of new equipment, machinery, and tools.
Conduct safety audits and reviews to assess compliance with safety standards.
Conduct safety inspections, audits, site orientations and weekly safety meetings.
Conduct safety meetings and toolbox talks.
Conduct safety orientations for all workers and visitors.
Conduct site inspections and institute remedial action if required.
Conduct site-specific health and safety orientations for all new site workers and visitors.
Conduct site specific Health & Safety Orientations.
Conduct Toolbox meetings for site staff.
Conduct trade orientations including collection of required certifications and relevant materials.
Conform to
Conform to the Health and Safety Program and set a good example.
Contribute to
Contribute to the development of the OH&S program.
Coordinate
Coordinate and administer the return / stay at work program for injured workers.
Coordinate and conduct incident investigations.
Coordinate and conduct safety meetings to address safety concerns and promote awareness.
Coordinate with contractors and subcontractors to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
Develop
Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Develop safety topics relevant to the workplace for inclusion in toolbox talks and safety meetings.
Develop site specific safety orientations and programs.
Document
Document progress in daily progress reports.
Educate
Educate staff on COVID-19 protocols and be the designated COVID officer on site.
Educate workers on safety standards and best practices.
Enforce
Enforce safety program to on-site individual trades.
Ensure
Ensure all accidents, incidents, and injuries are properly reported to all appropriate parties.
Ensure all trades and workers are complying with Worksafe BC regulations.
Ensure completion of regular site inspection reports from field management.
Ensure daily risk assessments are being conducted as per company policy.
Ensure proper signage and labeling of hazardous areas and materials.
Ensure that all accidents, incidents, and injuries are properly reported to all appropriate parties.
Examine
Examine plans, drawings and site layouts.
Facilitate
Facilitate and participate in site inspections and implement corrective action as required.
Facilitate and participate in site inspections, and implementing corrective action.
Hold
Hold weekly safety meetings with TL Housing Solutions employees.
Identify
Identify and evaluate emerging safety issues and recommend preventive measures.
Identify hazards and implement corrective action as required.
Implement
Implement and enforce policies for the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Implement and monitor TL Housing Solution's safety program and related policies.
Implement the safety program as established within Corporate H&S Manual.
Initiate
Initiate and support incident response, notification, and investigation activities.
Inspect
Inspect and ensure the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and personal protective gear.
Inspect the workplace for safety deficiencies on an ongoing basis.
Inspect the Workplace & Identify Safety Deficiencies.
Inspect to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained.
Investigate
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and prepare detailed reports.
Investigate and document injuries to determine root causes and implement controls.
Investigate complaints and concerns related to safety and take appropriate action.
Keep
Keep management current on the status of any issue(s) that may impact on the work being performed.
Keep management updated on all safety issues that arise.
Keep track of first aid supplies and ordering when needed.
Lead
Lead health and safety meetings.
Liaise with
Liaise with a range of functional groups and individuals both internal and external to the company.
Liaise with Worksafe BC and third party inspectors.
Maintain
Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, incidents, and training sessions.
Maintain all records for the Safety Program.
Maintain all safety records at site including submissions by trades.
Maintain and track all recordable statistics, training requirements for project specific needs.
Maintain an inventory list of equipment purchased.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintain first aid facilities and equipment.
Maintain ongoing compliance with current OH&S legislation and codes of practice.
Maintain site safety plans and documentations.
Maintain statistics and records and monitor accident / incident frequencies and safety violations.
Make
Make sure site activities are being run safely without accident.
Monitor
Monitor and enforce compliance with safety regulations, codes, and standards.
Monitor compliance to safety procedures and policies.
Monitor health and safety compliance of workers and sub-contractors.
Monitor safety compliance of workers and sub-contractors.
Monitor the effectiveness of safety programs and initiatives and recommend improvements.
Monitor the safety performance of all on-site workers.
Monitor the WHMIS procedures and ensure employees are informed and MSDS are current.
Monitor WHIMIS and keep MSDS up to date.
Oversee
Oversee locking up procedure at end of day.
Participate
Participate in accident and incident investigations to ensure objectivity and thoroughness.
Participate in professional development sessions, team meetings and instructor training.
Participate in the development and review of construction site emergency response plans.
Perform
Perform Accident & Incident Investigations.
Perform various labour tasks and ongoing daily site housekeeping to improve safety and cleanliness.
Plan
Plan, design, develop, implement, and evaluate safety programs.
Prepare
Prepare and present safety reports to management and stakeholders.
Prepare site safety plans, conduct hazard assessments, incident investigations and risk assessments.
Promote
Promote a culture of job site safety, where safety is everyone's responsibility.
Promote a positive safety culture by fostering communication and engagement among workers.
Protect
Protect the Health & Safety of all workers onsite.
Provide
Provide continual inventory control for the first aid station, safety equipment and supplies.
Provide First Aid as necessary.
Provide first aid treatment within scope of training.
Provide guidance and support to workers on safe work practices and procedures.
Provide guidance on proper lifting techniques, ergonomics, and injury prevention.
Provide information / training to employers, employees and general public.
Provide safety training and orientation to new employees and contractors.
Provide site orientations to new workers / visitors to the site.
Report
Report on all incidents and injuries.
Represent
Represent the company during site inspections by the WCB and other regulatory agencies.
Represent Unitech during WCB Inspections.
Review
Review accident summary reports and take appropriate action when accident trends are unfavorable.
Review all Field Level Risk Assessments (FLRA).
Review construction plans and specifications to identify potential safety issues.
Review existing policies and measures and update according to legislation.
Review, implement, maintain and improve the Corporate Safety Program and maintain COR compliance.
Review safe work procedures and practices for all trades on site.
Review sub-contractor documentation for accuracy and provide feedback to personnel.
Review sub-contractors' documentation for accuracy and provide feedback to personnel.
Schedule
Schedule & conduct company JOSH committee meetings.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with current safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
Stop
Stop any unsafe acts or processes that seem dangerous or unhealthy.
Support
Support Marcon's HSE program and COR program.
Support the development of site specific OHS policies and programs.
Support the Project Superintendent on-site throughout the construction phase.
Take
Take action as required to immediately correct unsafe acts or conditions.
Tend
Tend to injuries and file the required paperwork.
Track
Track monthly tool inventory.
Train
Train and educate employees in company safe work practices and procedures.
Update
Update the display safety policies and pertinent information on the company bulletin board.
Write
Write and review monthly safety package.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Construction Safety Officer:
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Standards
Construction Safety Management Systems
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Accident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
Safety Inspection and Audit Techniques
Emergency Response and Crisis Management
Safety Training and Development
Construction Site Safety Planning
Fall Protection and Working at Heights
Confined Space Entry and Rescue
Fire Safety and Prevention
Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Scaffolding Safety and Inspection
Excavation and Trenching Safety
Crane and Rigging Safety
Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection and Use
First Aid and CPR/AED Training
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Management
Incident and Near Miss Reporting and Analysis
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Construction Safety Officer :
Effective Communication (verbal and written)
Leadership and Teamwork
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Attention to Detail
Time Management and Organization
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Adaptability and Flexibility
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Interpersonal Skills and Relationship Building
Empathy and Compassion
Conclusion
A Construction Safety Officer plays a critical role in maintaining a safe working environment in the construction industry. They have a wide range of responsibilities, ranging from implementing safety policies and conducting inspections to providing training and investigating incidents. To excel in this role, Construction Safety Officers need a combination of hard skills related to regulations, safety management systems, and technical aspects, as well as soft skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and empathy. By possessing the necessary skills, Construction Safety Officers contribute to the prevention of accidents and the overall well-being of construction workers.
