Construction Safety Manager (New Lenox)

Position Overview The Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Sonoma Undergrounds Safety Program to ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and client-specific standards. This role drives a proactive safety culture that supports our goal of Incident and Injury-Free work. The Safety Manager will lead safety initiatives, provide training, conduct audits, and partner with leadership and field teams to ensure safety remains a core value across all operations. Accountabilities 1. Program Ownership: Maintain and continuously improve Sonomas Safety Program, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 2. Safety Planning: Develop job-specific JHAs and site-specific safety plans; update field safety forms as laws and regulations change. 3. Training & Certification: Deliver onboarding and annual safety refreshers; manage OSHA and specialty certifications. 4. Compliance & Auditing: Conduct jobsite inspections and audits; ensure adherence to OSHA, DOT, and client-specific standards. 5. Incident Management: Investigate accidents and near misses; implement corrective actions and reporting. 6. Project Safety and Site Support: Coordinate field-related activities, conduct quality checks, and maintain onsite presence to support safe and efficient project execution. 7. Culture Development: Promote safety awareness and engagement across all levels of the organization. Detailed Expectations Program Management Own and update the Safety & Health Manual and specialized programs (Fall Protection, Excavation Safety, Confined Space, Silica, etc.). Maintain OSHA logs and compliance documentation. Review subcontractor safety programs for alignment with project requirements. Safety Planning Develop and maintain job-specific JHAs and site-specific safety plans. Update safety forms and documentation as regulations change. Training Deliver onboarding safety training for new hires and client-specific requirements. Conduct annual safety refreshers for all field employees. Schedule and lead toolbox talks, weekly safety meetings, and annual refresher courses. Manager certifications (OSHA 10/30, confined space, trench safety, etc.). Compliance & Auditing Perform regular jobsite safety inspections and document findings. Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and client-specific safety requirements. Prepare for and manage OSHA inspections. Track and interpret changes in safety regulations. Incident Management Investigate all incidents and near misses, complete root cause analysis and corrective action plans. Communicate findings to leadership and maintain insurance compliance. Project Safety and Site Support Call in utility locates for projects. Manage jobsite restoration after work completion. Perform quality control checks after crews finish work. Attend client and project meetings to represent Sonomas safety program. Provide on-site safety coaching and support to crews and supervisors. Culture & Communication Act as a safety motivator and advisor for management and field teams. Collaborate with project managers and field superintendents to implement safety best practices and ensure compliance across all job sites. Report safety metrics to leadership and recommend improvements. Qualifications Experience: 3+ years in construction safety management (utility or heavy civil preferred). Education: Associate or Bachelors Degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience). Certifications: CSP, CHST, OSHA Authorized Trainer strongly preferred; First Aid/CPR required. Skills: Strong knowledge of OSHA standards, risk assessment, training delivery, incident investigation, and safety planning. Other: Excellent communication and leadership skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with safety management software (e.g., Procore). Personal Attributes: Assertive yet collaborative, detail-oriented, calm under pressure, committed to building a proactive safety culture.