Safety Engineer I

As a Safety Engineer I at Mortenson, your key responsibilities will include implementing and administering safety programs at worksites, conducting audits, and offering crucial training and safety orientations. You'll also document safety violations, analyze incident data, and collaborate with project management to establish site-specific safety protocols. Your role will ensure that both team members and subcontractors adhere to safety standards while fostering a culture of safety awareness and accountability.

To qualify for the Safety Engineer I role at Mortenson, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in safety, occupational health, or a related field. Alternatively, a high school diploma with relevant safety certifications and significant construction experience may suffice. A minimum of seven years in construction, including experience managing safety programs and conducting hazard analyses, is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills are also vital for this position.

A typical day as a Safety Engineer I at Mortenson involves conducting safety audits and inspections, facilitating safety training, and monitoring adherence to safety procedures. You’ll spend time reviewing safety data and incident reports, coordinating with trade partners to ensure their safety plans comply with regulations, and participating actively in project safety meetings. This combination of activities helps ensure that every project meets its safety targets.

Mortenson has a comprehensive Zero Injury Safety program designed to promote a culture of safety across all construction sites. This program includes regular safety audits, training sessions, safety celebration events, and recognition programs for safe practices. Employees are empowered to share safety concerns openly, supporting ongoing education and communication around best practices to ensure a consistently safe working environment.

At Mortenson, Safety Engineers I can anticipate numerous growth opportunities. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuing education and certifications in safety management, as well as participate in workshops and seminars. The company also has mentorship programs, providing guidance from experienced professionals, which can help you advance in your career while enhancing your skillset in construction safety management.

The most crucial aspect of ensuring safety on a construction site is fostering a culture of accountability and open communication. By encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions without fear of repercussions, you create an environment where everyone is invested in safety. Sharing knowledge and providing regular training ensures that all team members understand their responsibilities in maintaining a safe worksite.

Leading indicators are proactive measures that can predict and prevent incidents, such as training programs and safety audits. Trailing indicators, however, look back at what has happened, such as injury reports or accident statistics. It's essential to balance both indicators in safety management; leading indicators help to prevent accidents before they occur, while trailing indicators help assess the effectiveness of safety measures after the fact.

If I observe a safety violation on-site, I would first ensure that the situation does not pose an immediate danger to workers. Then, I would document the incident and bring it to the attention of the relevant personnel. Providing follow-up training or corrective measures is also key, as it not only addresses the violation but also helps prevent future occurrences.

Conducting a safety orientation for new employees involves clearly laying out the site-specific safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of safety culture, and providing thorough training on equipment use. It’s crucial to encourage questions and discussions during this process to ensure complete understanding. Additionally, visual aids and real-life scenarios can enhance the learning experience and make it more engaging.

To promote a culture of safety, I advocate for active participation from all team members. This includes conducting regular safety meetings, recognizing safe behavior, and implementing peer-to-peer safety checks. Building strong relationships with employees can make them feel valued and more likely to embrace safety protocols. Continuous training and open dialogue about safety concerns also reinforce the importance of prioritizing safety at every level.

To stay updated with changes in safety regulations and standards, I subscribe to industry newsletters, participate in professional organizations, and attend relevant workshops and seminars. Networking with other safety professionals provides insights into best practices and emerging regulations. I also regularly review OSHA and ANSI resources to stay compliant with any evolving standards.

Communication is fundamental in safety management. It ensures that safety procedures are understood and followed. I focus on clear, open, and frequent communication with all team members to facilitate the sharing of safety information and feedback. Effective communication not only aligns everyone’s efforts but also creates an environment where safety concerns can be addressed swiftly and collaboratively.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a safety program involves analyzing both leading and trailing indicators. I would review incident statistics, conduct employee surveys, and evaluate compliance with safety protocols through audits. Additionally, regular reviews of training and awareness initiatives help gauge their impact. Adjustments based on data and feedback are crucial for continual improvement.

If a major incident occurred on the job site, my first step would be to ensure the safety of all personnel and provide necessary medical assistance. I would then secure the site to prevent further incidents and conduct an immediate investigation to understand the causes. Documenting findings and implementing corrective actions are essential for preventing recurrence. Transparent communication with everyone involved helps reassure them and maintains trust.

In handling conflicts regarding safety procedures, I believe in addressing the issue directly and respectfully. An example would be when a subcontractor disregarded safety protocols; I scheduled a meeting to discuss the concerns openly. By listening to their perspective and clarifying the importance of compliance, we reached a collaborative understanding. This approach reinforced safety's value while maintaining a positive working relationship.