Construction Health and Safety Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of construction, the demand for Construction Health and Safety Officers is paramount.

As the industry progresses, the call for skilled professionals who can manage, oversee, and ensure the safety of construction sites is escalating.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Construction Health and Safety Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of construction safety and health,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile Construction Health and Safety Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Construction Health and Safety Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Construction Health and Safety Officers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety standards on construction sites and preventing any potential hazards or injuries.

They are responsible for ensuring that all construction activities are carried out in accordance with the health and safety regulations.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Construction Health and Safety Officer may include:

• Carrying out regular site inspections to check policies and procedures are being properly implemented
• Developing and implementing health and safety procedures on the construction site
• Ensuring that all workers are following safety regulations and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
• Conducting training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention
• Monitoring compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations
• Investigating accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
• Recommending solutions to issues that need improvement
• Preparing reports on occurrences and provide statistical information to upper management

 

Construction Health and Safety Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent Construction Health and Safety Officer to join our team.

The primary role of the officer will be to facilitate compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines in our construction projects.

Your work will involve setting up policies that will create and maintain a safe workplace.

As a Construction Health and Safety Officer, you must have excellent attention to detail to identify hazards and prevent them from materializing.

The goal is to ensure the workplace meets all legal expectations and actively supports occupational health and safety.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute health and safety plans in the workplace according to legal guidelines
• Prepare and enforce policies to establish a culture of health and safety
• Evaluate practices, procedures and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law
• Conduct training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention
• Monitor compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations
• Inspect equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions
• Investigate accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
• Recommend solutions to issues, improvement opportunities or new prevention measures
• Report on health and safety awareness, issues and statistics

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a safety officer
• In depth knowledge of legislation and procedures
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
• Experience in writing reports and policies for health and safety
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
• Proficient in MS Office; Working knowledge of safety management information systems is a plus
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Diligent with great attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics
• BSc/BA in safety management, engineering or relevant field is preferred
• Valid qualification in occupational health and safety

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Construction Health and Safety Officer
• Work Environment: Construction sites with potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and construction hazards.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Construction Site Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Construction Health and Safety Officer Do?

Construction Health and Safety Officers primarily work on construction sites, ensuring that all health and safety regulations are adhered to by the construction crew and other staff.

They are responsible for conducting regular site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place.

They carry out risk assessments, document findings, and propose changes if necessary.

They work closely with construction managers and workers to instill a strong safety culture on site.

They provide safety training and conduct safety meetings to keep the workforce informed about potential risks and preventive measures.

The Construction Health and Safety Officer also handles accident reporting and investigation, making sure that any incidents are thoroughly documented and necessary steps are taken to prevent future occurrences.

They also ensure that all construction activities comply with the legal health and safety standards, and they may liaise with regulatory bodies for inspections or to report serious incidents.

Their ultimate aim is to create and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for everyone on the construction site.

 

Construction Health and Safety Officer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Construction Health and Safety Officer should possess skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of construction safety regulations and best practices to ensure the work environment is secure and free from potential hazards.
• Ability to identify, assess and minimize potential risks and hazards on the construction site using risk assessment skills.
• Communication skills to effectively relay safety instructions and procedures to workers, and to liaise with regulatory bodies and management.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with contractors, workers, and regulatory bodies, and to deal with any issues or concerns in a professional manner.
• Organizational skills to maintain accurate records of safety inspections, incidents, and preventative measures implemented.
• Problem-solving skills to swiftly and efficiently address any safety concerns or breaches, and to develop and implement effective safety strategies.
• Physical abilities that enable them to thoroughly inspect the site and equipment, and to respond effectively to emergencies.
• Training skills to deliver safety training and awareness programs to workers and management.

 

Construction Health and Safety Officer Experience Requirements

Construction Health and Safety Officers typically require a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the construction industry, with a focus on safety management.

During this time, they gain exposure to construction processes, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Many start their careers in entry-level construction roles, such as Site Laborer or Assistant Supervisor, which provide hands-on experience with safety practices.

This frontline experience is often critical in understanding the practical challenges of maintaining safety standards on a construction site.

Candidates with more than 3-5 years of experience often have a background in managing safety programs, conducting site inspections, and implementing safety training.

Such individuals will have developed skills in risk assessment, hazard identification, and accident investigation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually well-versed in safety regulations and standards.

They may also have leadership experience, enabling them to effectively manage safety initiatives across multiple construction projects or sites.

These experienced candidates may be suitable for senior roles, overseeing entire safety departments or acting as advisors to upper management on health and safety issues.

 

Construction Health and Safety Officer Education and Training Requirements

Construction Health and Safety Officers are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field such as construction, industrial hygiene, or environmental safety.

A comprehensive understanding of construction principles and practices is crucial for this role.

Therefore, additional educational qualifications or work experience in the construction industry are often beneficial.

They are also expected to have a thorough knowledge of federal and state health and safety regulations pertaining to the construction industry.

Familiarity with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards is typically mandatory.

In addition to their degree, many employers require health and safety officers to hold certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

These certifications are usually obtained after a few years of work experience and demonstrate a high level of expertise in the field of construction safety.

Continual learning is important in this field, as regulations and best practices often change.

Therefore, many Construction Health and Safety Officers pursue further professional development courses and training throughout their careers to stay updated with the latest safety standards and technologies.

Some roles may also require a master’s degree in a relevant field, especially for managerial or specialized roles in larger corporations.

Having a master’s degree may also demonstrate a candidate’s leadership capabilities and commitment to the profession.

 

Construction Health and Safety Officer Salary Expectations

A Construction Health and Safety Officer can expect to earn an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary significantly depending on the officer’s experience, qualifications, the size of the construction project, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Construction Health and Safety Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Construction Health and Safety Officer need?

A Construction Health and Safety Officer should possess excellent communication and leadership skills, as they often need to instruct teams and conduct safety meetings.

They should have a keen eye for detail to identify potential hazards and provide solutions.

They need to be proficient in risk management and have knowledge of safety protocols, regulations, and procedures.

Knowledge of first aid and emergency response planning is also crucial.

 

Do Construction Health and Safety Officers need a degree?

Most Construction Health and Safety Officers have a degree in occupational health and safety or a related field.

Some employers may require a certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) or other recognized safety institutions.

A combination of relevant work experience and education may also be considered.

 

What should you look for in a Construction Health and Safety Officer resume?

When reviewing a resume, look for a degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, certifications from recognized institutions, and a substantial amount of relevant work experience.

Look for knowledge of safety regulations and standards, emergency response planning, and risk management skills.

Experience in training and instructing others in safety protocols is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Construction Health and Safety Officer?

A good Construction Health and Safety Officer is observant, vigilant, and has a keen eye for detail.

They have excellent communication skills, are firm but fair in enforcing safety rules, and have good leadership abilities.

They should be calm under pressure and able to respond effectively in emergency situations.

A proactive attitude and a commitment to stay up-to-date with changing safety regulations and standards are also important qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Construction Health and Safety Officer?

Finding a qualified Construction Health and Safety Officer can be challenging, given the critical role they play in ensuring workplace safety.

It’s important to find someone who not only has the right qualifications and experience, but also has the right attitude towards safety and a strong commitment to keeping workers safe.

Therefore, the hiring process may take time and careful consideration.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the crucial role of a Construction Health and Safety Officer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about wearing a hard hat.

It’s about building a safer tomorrow, one safety protocol at a time.

With our specially designed Construction Health and Safety Officer job description template and practical examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But don’t hit the brakes yet.

Dig further with our job description generator. It’s your key to constructing precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety protocol is a cornerstone of a safer construction site.

Let’s build that future. Safely and collectively.

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