Construction Safety Officer

Harvard University, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

30-Jan-2024

Featured Job

Campus Services

63125BR


Job Summary

This position is responsible for monitoring the implementation of and compliance with the University construction safety programs.  The Construction Safety Officer communicates construction safety program requirements to University project managers, construction management personnel, and contractors.  Key responsibilities include working collaboratively with capital project managers and contractors to implement the Harvard University Construction EH&S Standard, providing on-site safety observation, delivering construction safety training, and reporting and communicating safety performance through metrics and key performance indicators. The position works from a position of influence, not authority, therefore, excellent collaboration and communication skills are essential.


Position Description

  • Responsible for monitoring implementation of construction safety programs, including compliance and conformance with the Harvard University EH&S Construction Standard, contractor and consultant pre-qualification, and substance abuse prevention program compliance. Advises University Project Managers in the selection of contractors based on safety performance and provides guidance to contractors to improve their own safety programs and implementation.
  • Attends pre-construction and project meetings as necessary to communicate performance expectations established by Harvard-specific requirements, and project-specific criteria. Conducts field reviews of University construction projects to assess contractor’s compliance with respect to set expectations.  Accompanies the general contractor’s Site Safety and Health Officer and/or others on periodic site inspections to observe the on-going construction activities. Provides regular reports to Project Managers regarding construction safety program implementation status and agendas. Solicits, manages and reviews safety consultant’s work as necessary to ensure compliance, timeliness, and technical accuracy. 
  • Responsible for identification of construction safety hazards and hazard mitigation strategies associated with regulatory compliance and accepted consensus standards.  Identifies appropriate strategies for construction safety program implementation.  Fosters a collaborative working environment to encourage safe work practices.  Collaborate effectively with Environmental Project Managers and others within EHS to be able to identify and mitigate other Environmental, Health and Safety issues.
  • Reviews construction project design documents and specifications. Provide comments and recommendations with respect to compliance with Harvard’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines for Design, opportunities to incorporate minimal fabrication changes to permit safer construction methods and designs that might create problems for the safe use, operation and maintenance of the new structure.  Collaborates with other disciplines within EH&S to understand the operational needs of the facilities under construction, develop training, and identify potential issues related to other disciplines for proposed designs.
  • Participate in the development of construction safety training programs including, OSHA 10-hour construction safety training and others as needed.  Deliver training as required.  
  • Conducts accident and incident reviews as necessary including assessment of causal factors.  Reports findings to clients and develops strategies for mitigating the reoccurrence of similar incidents across the University.  Reviews contractors’ accident and incident reports for completeness and detail. 
  • Conducts trend analysis of reports and assists in developing corrective strategies.
  • Responds to construction site safety inspections by OSHA, state agencies, and local municipalities’ inspectional services departments, or other regulatory agencies.
  • Mentors staff and educates others (technical and non-technical) on best practices, communications, and approach to solving issues with a wide variety of personnel.

    • Basic Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in technical or scientific field related to a safety discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in construction safety. 
    • Extensive experience with both underground and above ground construction methods to proactively identify and address potential safety issues during construction.
    • Requires strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local construction safety regulations, loss control, and insurance.
    • Registration as a Certified Safety Professional or similar and completion of the OSHA 500 Trainer course, is preferred.  
    • Must be able to establish and develop effective working relationships with Construction Project Managers and Contractors. 
    • Must be able to manage multiple projects and priorities and make sound decisions in a timely fashion.
    • Ability to function in a position designed to serve independent operating units in decentralized environment.
    • Experience working on Union construction projects, and with organized labor.
    • Ability to read construction design drawings.

    Additional Qualifications and Skills

    Technology Skills Requirements

    Proficient in Microsoft products, including Outlook, Word, Access, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.  Understands EH&S core database applications and data management tools used for analyzing construction reporting data.

    Special Requirements

    Participates in EH&S Emergency Response Program on rotating basis (estimated 6 to 7 times per year), as a cross-trained EH&S staff member, will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours.  Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects.  Driver’s license with some local travel may be periodically required.


    Physical Requirements

    Required to wear personal protective equipment.  Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, use ladders, work outdoors, at heights, and access scaffolding and roofs from access hatches. Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform field visits. Must be able to perform chemical monitoring and emergency response activities wearing Level D PPE.


    Working Conditions

    The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

    This position is on-campus/on-site.


    Additional Information

    Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel


    Benefits

    We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

    • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
    • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
    • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
    • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
    • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
    • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
    • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
    • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
    • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

    Department Office Location

    USA - MA - Cambridge


    Job Code

    396057 Environmental Health & Safety


    Sub-Unit

    Environmental Health & Safety


    Union

    00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary


    Pre-Employment Screening

    CORI, Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity


    Schedule

    Monday-Friday
    7am-4pm


    Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

    Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.


    EEO Statement

    We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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