Construction Safety Specialist

New Haven, CT, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Employee assistance program

Disability insurance

Job Description

Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) is a leading healthcare organization committed to delivering exceptional patient care through innovation, integrity, and compassion. As a comprehensive health system, YNHHS includes hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness. The organization champions a patient-centered approach and upholds values such as respect, accountability, and compassion in all its operations. With a robust network of healthcare professionals and support staff, YNHHS fosters a collaborative environment aimed at continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare delivery.

The Construction Safety Specialist role at YNHHS is a pivotal position responsible for ensuring safety standards are rigorously applied across all construction projects within the health system. This full-time role demands strong leadership and expert knowledge related to construction safety protocols specific to healthcare environments. Reporting directly to the Director of Construction, the Construction Safety Specialist will lead the development and implementation of comprehensive safety programs designed to mitigate risks and protect all personnel involved in construction activities. This role requires proactive oversight to comply with OSHA, NFPA, Joint Commission life safety standards, and healthcare-specific safety mandates such as Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) and Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA).

The successful candidate will work closely with contractors, internal teams, and stakeholders by conducting safety audits, training sessions, incident investigations, and emergency preparedness drills. Using data-driven insights, the Construction Safety Specialist will track safety metrics and recommend improvements to promote a culture where safety is prioritized as an integral part of project execution. Physical site visits to construction and renovation locations are a key component of the role, requiring the specialist to navigate challenging environments such as stairs and ladders safely and independently. The role balances office responsibilities with hands-on fieldwork, demanding both technical proficiency and effective communication skills. This position plays a crucial part in maintaining operational continuity and life safety, ensuring that construction efforts align with the broader mission of YNHHS to provide safe and high-quality healthcare facilities.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction or 10+ years of experience in healthcare construction
5-7 years of experience in construction safety
OSHA 30 certification required
ability to navigate construction sites including stairs and ladders unassisted
strong communication skills
moderate physical effort capability
proficiency in conducting safety training and audits
knowledge of healthcare-specific safety protocols

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in construction or equivalent experience
minimum 5-7 years in construction safety with preference in healthcare settings
OSHA 30 certification required
CHST or CSP certification preferred
strong knowledge of NFPA and Joint Commission life safety standards
demonstrated skills in auditing training and incident investigation
effective communication skills with contractors and internal teams

Job Duties

Establish and enforce safety policies and procedures for all construction sites including developing site-specific safety plans
conduct regular safety audits inspections and incident investigations ensuring timely documentation and tracking of corrective actions
deliver training programs for contractors and internal staff on safety protocols emergency procedures and healthcare-specific requirements such as ILSM and ICRA
monitor compliance with OSHA NFPA and other applicable regulations ensuring all activities meet federal state and institutional standards
promote a proactive safety culture through engagement initiatives clear communication and recognition programs
perform job hazard analyses and pre-task planning reviewing method statements and permits to work to identify and mitigate risks
manage contractor safety prequalification and onboarding verifying certifications training records and compliance documentation
develop and maintain safety metrics and dashboards analyzing trends and providing actionable recommendations
lead root-cause analysis for incidents and near-misses implementing preventive measures and sharing lessons learned
coordinate emergency drills evacuation plans and site-specific life safety compliance ensuring readiness for emergencies and inspections