Overview: To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The Safety Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety programs across all construction projects within the organization. This role ensures strict adherence to regulatory requirements, proactively identifies and mitigates risks, and fosters a culture of safety among contractors, staff, and stakeholders. By conducting audits, training personnel, and monitoring compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and healthcare-specific standards, the Safety Specialist plays a critical role in protecting life safety and maintaining operational continuity. Through leadership, education, and continuous improvement initiatives, this position drives safe work practices and supports the successful delivery of construction projects in a healthcare environment. The Safety Specialist reports to the Director of Construction.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Responsibilities:

• 1. Establish and enforce safety policies and procedures for all construction sites, including developing and maintaining site-specific safety plans tailored to project scope and risk profile.
• 2. Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations, ensuring timely documentation and tracking of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• 3. Deliver training programs for contractors and internal staff on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and healthcare-specific requirements such as Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) and Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA).
• 4. Monitor compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and other applicable regulations, ensuring all activities meet federal, state, and institutional standards.
• 5. Promote a proactive safety culture through engagement initiatives, clear communication, and recognition programs that reinforce safe behaviors.
• 6. Perform job hazard analyses (JHAs) and pre-task planning, reviewing method statements and permits to work to identify and mitigate risks before execution.
• 7. Manage contractor safety prequalification and onboarding, verifying certifications, training records, and compliance documentation prior to site access.
• 8. Develop and maintain safety metrics and dashboards, analyzing trends and providing actionable recommendations to leadership for continuous improvement.
• 9. Lead root-cause analysis for incidents and near-misses, implementing preventive measures and sharing lessons learned across teams.
• 10. Coordinate emergency drills, evacuation plans, and site-specific life safety compliance, ensuring readiness for potential emergencies and regulatory inspections.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

Bachelor?s degree in construction or 10+ years of experience in healthcare construction required.

EXPERIENCE

With Bachelor?s degree, minimum 5?7 years in construction safety; healthcare environment preferred. OSHA 30 required; CHST/CSP preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS

OSHA 30 required; CHST/CSP preferred Knowledge of NFPA, Joint Commission life safety standards Strong auditing, training, and incident investigation skills Effective communication across contractors and internal teams

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Moderate physical effort: intermittent standing, walking, and reaching is required without assistance. Close computer work with intense concentration more than half of the day. Ability to discern color, ability to hear conversations and telephone communications clearly. The physical working environment will be a well-lit and ventilated office space with a work area and access to plotters, scanners, and printers. Part time working environment will require visits to construction and renovation sites. Applicant must be able to navigate sites under construction including stairs and ladders unassisted.