Safety Specialist
Location: Columbus, OH
Position Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Our client, a leading general contractor construction firm based in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking an experienced and proactive Safety Specialist to join their team immediately.
Position Overview:
Protecting the safety and health of associates, customers, and subcontractors is a core value of the organization. The Safety Specialist will be responsible for developing, managing, and supporting the implementation of comprehensive safety programs that ensure safe and compliant project environments.
The ideal candidate brings strong construction safety expertise, in-depth regulatory knowledge, and a demonstrated ability to cultivate a culture of safety through leadership, collaboration, and engagement across all levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
• Administer, manage, communicate, and continuously improve the company’s safety programs and processes
• Monitor and evaluate federal, state, and local safety regulations for impact on company operations
• Collaborate with project managers, supervisors, and subcontractors to integrate safety into all phases of construction activities
• Serve as a safety consultant to field and office associates on technical and organizational safety matters
• Conduct regular jobsite and work area audits
• Attend planning sessions, pre-job meetings, and project meetings to ensure safety concerns are addressed proactively
• Identify safety training and educational needs, coordinate development and delivery of training programs
• Participate actively on the company safety committee
• Conduct thorough investigations of incidents and near-misses and implement corrective actions
• Maintain accurate documentation of safety incidents, inspections, training sessions, and compliance records
Required Skills & Competencies
• Growth mindset with a proactive, solution-oriented approach
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization, including subcontractors and clients
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to identify hazards and implement effective risk mitigation strategies
• Strong investigative skills for incident and near-miss analysis
• Sound decision-making skills in high-pressure environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general computer systems
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and capable of working independently
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Comfortable leading difficult conversations when necessary
• Highly adaptable and responsive to evolving project needs
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Safety Management, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• 3–5 years of safety experience within the commercial construction industry
• Demonstrated ability to identify practical solutions to eliminate jobsite hazards
• Relevant safety certifications (e.g., OSHA certifications, CSP)
• In-depth knowledge of construction procedures, processes, and safety compliance requirements