Capital Project Construction Safety Practitioner - Decatur, IL

Capital Projects Construction Safety Practitioner - Decatur, IL

This is a permanent, full-time, exempt-level position.

Position Summary

The Construction Safety Practitioner is responsible for providing expert safety leadership, oversight, and technical guidance across industrial construction projects in heavy manufacturing environments such as food processing, agricultural processing, chemicals, or other high‑hazard industrial facilities.

This role ensures that all construction activities-including contractor operations-are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with OSHA 1910/1926, company Life‑Critical Standards, and industry best practices. This position maintains a balanced presence: approximately 50% field‑based at active construction sites and 50% office‑based performing planning, reviews, and analysis.

The role is fully empowered with Stop Work Authority to halt any unsafe activity immediately.

Position Responsibilities
Safety Planning, Reviews & Technical Guidance

• Develop, implement, and oversee site‑specific construction safety plans, including means, methods, and risk‑mitigation strategies
• Lead safety and constructability reviews with project management, engineering, and contractors
• Identify high‑risk activities and ensure appropriate controls for confined space, LOTO, hot work, critical lifts, and equipment operations
• Develop and maintain construction‑specific safety procedures, plans, and documentation

• Maintain a proactive field presence to observe behaviors, verify controls, and coach contractors
• Conduct safety audits, Gemba walks, behavioral observations, and hazard assessments
• Monitor high‑hazard activities and ensure strict adherence to PPE, LOTO, CSE, hot work, and Life‑Critical Standards
• Exercise Stop Work Authority immediately when unsafe acts or conditions are observed

• Lead contractor onboarding and align them to site safety rules, critical safety systems, and Life‑Critical Standards
• Develop strong relationships with contractor supervision and labor to foster proactive safety culture
• Review contractor work plans, hazard assessments, lift plans, method statements, and permits

• Develop and deliver training on construction safety protocols and high‑hazard controls
• Communicate safety expectations across operations, engineering, and project management
• Promote safety ownership via coaching, mentoring, and accountability

• Respond to field incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions and support investigations
• Analyze safety performance trends and develop corrective and preventative actions
• Maintain accurate records of audits, incidents, training, and compliance documentation

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities for complex construction hazards
• Clear communication with all levels of project and operational teams
• Adaptability and situational awareness in dynamic construction conditions
• Leadership presence capable of coaching, influencing, and driving safe decision‑making
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized, accurate documentation

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods on construction and industrial sites
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated or restricted areas
• Capability to wear required PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and respiratory protection
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally
• Comfort working in environments with noise, dust, extreme temperatures, and uneven terrain

• Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience in industrial/heavy manufacturing environments
• Strong knowledge of OSHA 1910 & OSHA 1926 regulations, ANSI standards, and industrial safety practices
• OSHA 30‑hour certification
• Ability to influence and lead without authority in high‑risk, complex environments
• Proficiency with safety management software and Microsoft Office tools
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%, occasionally on short notice

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• Certifications such as CSP, ASP, CHST, or OSHA 500 Trainer certification preferred