Safety Manager

Ainsworth-Benning; Spearfish (SD); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ainsworth-Benning in Spearfish, South Dakota, seeks a Safety Manager to lead safety initiatives ensuring compliance with construction safety standards and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will drive implementation of safety programs, promote a proactive safety culture, and oversee the operational aspects of health and safety management. A Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of safety leadership experience, preferably in construction, are required. The position combines field and office work and requires frequent travel to various job sites.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of OSHA, DOT, EPA, and GHS regulations.
• Ability to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety training programs ensuring compliance and safe work practices.
• Manage OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor on safe work practices.

Skills

Construction safety regulations knowledge (OSHA, DOT, EPA, GHS)

Hazard identification

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Self-directed

Education

Bachelor’s degree in safety-related field

5+ years of progressive safety leadership experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Safety Manager leads the day-to-day execution of project safety initiatives to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and construction safety standards. This role drives the implementation of safety and risk control programs while fostering a proactive, relationship-based safety culture.

The Safety Manager demonstrates an unwavering commitment to employee well-being and Ainsworth-Benning Construction’s core values, serving as a key leader in fulfilling the company’s commitment to sending every employee home safely every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety Leadership

• Champion and cultivate a proactive, relationship-based safety culture by empowering employees at all levels
• Lead the development and implementation of safety initiatives, campaigns, and continuous improvement strategies
• Deploy and manage safety systems, processes, and metrics to drive performance and reduce risk
• Provide leadership and support to the safety program

Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the development of annual safety goals, initiatives, and departmental budget
• Track, analyze, and present safety KPIs, trends, and initiatives as company meetings

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations
• Manage OSHA recordkeeping, including OSHA 300 logs, and reporting requirements
• Manage and update the Health, Safety, & Environmental Policy Manual
• Oversee compliance programs including GHS, SDS, and other regulatory requirements
• Manage third-party verification platforms as required by customers
• Oversee organizational safety certifications and credentialing
• Develop and execute audit schedules, document findings and implement corrective actions

Crisis & Incident Management

• Serve as a key safety leader in crisis situations
• Partner in post-incident response, investigation, and emergency preparedness planning
• Promote organization-wide understanding of crisis management role and procedure

Project & Job Site Safety

• Act as a trusted advisor to field teams, project managers, and leadership on safe work practices
• Conduct regular job site visits, safety observations, and risk assessments (pretasks)
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies and regulatory requirements
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation
• Monitor safety meetings, inspections, and training to ensure effectiveness and consistency
• Support leading indicator programs and continuous safety improvement efforts

Auto & Fleet Safety

• Manage auto liability claims in coordination with employees and insurance providers
• Support company vehicle and equipment fleet, including maintenance tracking and repair coordination
• Assist with DOT compliance and management requirements
• Support fleet safety initiatives, including tracking programs and driver accountability
• Administer the workers’ compensation program, including claims management and return-to-work processes
• Investigate incidents and complete required reporting, including First Report of Injury
• Monitor and manage lost-time claims and support early return-to-work initiatives

Training & Development

• Lead safety training programs to ensure compliance and safe work practices
• Facilitate new hire safety onboarding and ongoing employee education
• Develop, manage, and deliver toolbox talks
• Promote proper use of PPE and fall protection practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of construction safety regulations (OSHA, DOT, EPA, GHS)
• Ability to identify hazards and implement effective corrective actions
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to build trust influence others, and leads through relationships
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Self-directed with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and mobile technologies
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in safety-related field and 5+ years of progressive safety leadership experience, preferrable in construction, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and proof of insurance

Working Conditions

• Combination of field (45%) and office (55%) work environments
• Ability to navigate active construction sites with uneven terrain
• Capable of standing, walking, and performing physical movements for extended periods
• Frequent travel to job sites, primarily day trips
• Availability for on-call response to incidents and emergencies