Safety Specialist

Baker Group; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Group is seeking a Safety Specialist to promote and sustain a safe, healthy, incident-free work environment across job sites. You will lead safety programs, enforce OSHA compliance, and coordinate training, incident investigation, and workers' comp processes.

The role requires 3+ years in construction safety, an associate or bachelor’s degree in safety, and ability to manage safety records and procedures with strong communication skills. OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR are pluses.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in safety, or related field OR equivalent experience.
• Three (3) years’ experience in construction safety and/or OSHA training.
• GSP, CSP, CHST, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct new hire employment and safety orientations.
• Provide oversight and enforce safety compliance among subcontractors.
• Audit jobsites to identify potential health and safety risks; implement corrective and preventative measures.
• Deliver onsite safety training sessions.
• Operate safety equipment and maintain required safety gear.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of OSHA regulations and project requirements.
• Input and manage training records in the Training Vault system.
• Develop and maintain standard safety policies and procedures.
• Manage Workers' Compensation claims: accompany injured employees to medical facilities; document cases; conduct root cause analyses.
• Investigate workplace incidents; perform root cause analysis; submit incident reports.
• Communicate safety hazards and updates to onsite personnel.
• Lead Toolbox Talks and Safety Stand-Downs at jobsites.
• Inspect, document, and manage safety equipment inventories.
• Assist in pre-planning high-risk operations, including crane pick plans.
• Administer onsite drug and alcohol tests as needed.

Skills

Safety leadership

Safety compliance

Communication

OSHA knowledge

Training delivery

Emergency response

Root cause analysis

Team coordination

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in safety or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Training Vault system

Job description

PURPOSE

The Safety Specialist is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe, healthy, and incident-free work environment for all jobsite personnel. This role leads the development, coordination, and enforcement of jobsite safety programs and accident prevention strategies, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Safety Specialist supports the company’s commitment to the “Client for Life” philosophy by fostering strong, safety-focused relationships with both new and existing clients.

PURPOSE

The Safety Specialist is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe, healthy, and incident-free work environment for all jobsite personnel. This role leads the development, coordination, and enforcement of jobsite safety programs and accident prevention strategies, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Safety Specialist supports the company’s commitment to the “Client for Life” philosophy by fostering strong, safety-focused relationships with both new and existing clients.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conduct new hire employment and safety orientations
• Provide oversight and enforce safety compliance among subcontractors
• Audit jobsites to identify potential health and safety risks; implement corrective and preventative measures
• Deliver onsite safety training sessions
• Operate and maintain safety equipment such as air monitors, fall protection systems, and confined space gear
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of OSHA regulations and project-specific safety requirements
• Input and manage training records in the Training Vault system
• Develop and maintain standard safety policies and procedures
• Manage Workers' Compensation claims:
  • Accompany injured employees to medical facilities
  • Complete all required case documentation
  • Conduct root cause analyses
• Investigate workplace incidents:
  • Perform root cause analysis
  • Submit required incident reports
• Communicate safety hazards and updates to onsite personnel
• Lead Toolbox Talks and Safety Stand-Downs at jobsites
• Inspect, document, and manage safety equipment inventories
• Assist in the pre-planning of high-risk operations, including crane pick plans
• Administer onsite drug and alcohol tests as needed (pre-employment and post-incident)

Minimum Education & Experience Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in safety, or related field OR equivalent experience
• Three (3) years’ experience in construction safety and/or OSHA training
• GSP, CSP, CHST, a plus

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• OSHA 30 Certified, a plus
• First Aid/CPR Certified, a plus

Mental And Physical Competencies Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Exceptional customer service skills
• Strong organization, prioritization and attention to detail
• Must have proficient Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to partner with employees at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated competence in reacting to and handling emergency situations
• Ability to adapt to a quickly changing workplace

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

• Changing conditions on a construction site and/or industrial site risks and environment
• Variety of temperature and weather conditions

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

• Laptop PC
• PPE (hard toe boots, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, hi-vis vest, harness)
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Basic knowledge of tools

Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.