Overhead - Director, Safety

The Director of Safety leads the overall safety strategy and execution for transmission line construction and maintenance projects, ensuring all field operations—energized and de-energized—are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and customer standards. This leadership role champions a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organization, with a strong presence in the field and a deep understanding of utility work environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety Leadership & Culture Development

• Set the vision for a strong, field-driven safety culture across all transmission crews and support functions.
• Promote accountability, engagement, and ownership of safety at all organizational levels.
• Act as the face of the company’s safety commitment in interactions with customers, regulators, and field personnel.

Regulatory Compliance & Standards Enforcement

• Ensure company-wide compliance with OSHA (including 1926 Subpart V and 1910.269), DOT, NESC, ANSI, and relevant utility-specific requirements.
• Oversee all safety-related audits, inspections, and incident reporting, both internally and for client or regulatory reviews.
• Lead interpretation and implementation of safety rules in complex utility environments (e.g., energized transmission lines, helicopter work, hot stick/live-line work).

Project Safety Planning & Field Execution

• Review and approve project-specific safety plans, including Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), switching procedures, and energized work protocols.
• Monitor critical field activities such as structure replacements, wire pulls, tower erection, and storm restoration to ensure real-time compliance.
• Engage directly with General Foremen, Superintendents, and Safety Specialists to support safe operations.

Incident Response & Risk Management

• Lead the company’s response to safety incidents, including root cause investigations, corrective action development, and client communication.
• Oversee incident command protocols during major events or emergency work (e.g., storm mobilizations).
• Evaluate systemic risks and implement programs to mitigate exposure across the organization.

Training & Workforce Development

• Direct the development and delivery of specialized training, including:
•   - Transmission line work zone safety
•   - Fall protection & rescue
•   - Electrical hazard awareness (including MAD, equipotential grounding, step-touch potential)
•   - Helicopter operations and live-line work (if applicable)
• Coordinate with Training Managers and Safety Advisors to ensure onboarding, retraining, and certifications meet both company and client expectations.

Field Support & Safety Staff Oversight

• Supervise regional and project-based safety professionals.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to safety staff and operations leaders to elevate safety competencies.
• Conduct regular field visits and safety audits across regions and projects to reinforce standards.

Client & Subcontractor Coordination

• Represent the company in client safety meetings, pre-job briefs, and performance reviews.
• Review and approve subcontractor safety plans, verify field adherence, and lead onboarding and coordination processes.
• Align subcontractor safety performance with company and client expectations.

Metrics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report KPIs including TRIR, LTIR, Near Misses, and Stop Work Authority activations.
• Analyze trends and lead data-driven improvements to reduce incidents and increase leading indicator performance.
• Present safety performance summaries to executive leadership, clients, and external stakeholders.

Budget & Program Management

• Develop and manage the annual transmission safety budget, including PPE, technology, training, and staffing.
• Evaluate and deploy safety technologies (e.g., digital forms, wearable sensors, drone inspections).
• Maintain relationships with insurance, claims, and legal teams for safety-related matters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive safety leadership in transmission line construction or maintenance.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA 1926 Subpart V, 1910.269, NESC, and utility safety practices.
• Experience leading safety during energized work, helicopter operations, and storm response.
• Proven ability to influence field teams and executive leadership alike.
• Relevant certifications (CSP, CUSP, CHST, or equivalent) preferred.