Construction Safety Manager

Safety Manager

Location:

Chicagoland Area Company:
Sonoma Underground

Sonoma Underground is seeking an experienced Safety Manager to lead and elevate our company-wide Safety Program. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing safety initiatives that meet or exceed OSHA, DOT, and client-specific requirements—particularly for electrical utility, underground, substation, data center, municipal, and renewable energy projects.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, field-driven safety leader who thrives in fast-paced construction environments and excels at building strong relationships with crews, supervisors, and clients. This position plays a critical role in advancing our commitment to maintaining an Incident and Injury-Free culture.

• Own, manage, and continuously improve Sonoma’s Safety Program to align with federal, state, local, and client-specific standards.
• Maintain and update the Safety & Health Manual, including specialized programs (Fall Protection, Excavation, Confined Space, Electrical Safety, Silica, LOTO, etc.).
• Maintain OSHA logs, safety records, corrective action documentation, and compliance reporting.
• Review subcontractor safety plans for alignment with project standards.

• Develop site-specific safety plans, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and high-risk work procedures tailored to underground, electrical, and high-voltage environments.
• Update safety forms and documents as laws and client requirements evolve.

• Lead safety onboarding for all new hires, ensuring alignment with utility and electrical safety standards.
• Conduct annual refresher training, toolbox talks, and weekly safety meetings.
• Manage the company’s certification program (OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, Confined Space, Trenching & Shoring, Electrical Safety, etc.).
• Provide ongoing coaching to foremen, operators, and crews to reinforce safe behaviors.

• Conduct regular jobsite safety audits across underground, substation, municipal, and utility work environments.
• Document findings, issue corrective actions, and track resolution.
• Prepare for and manage OSHA visits, client audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Stay current on new or changing safety regulations.

• Lead investigations of all incidents, injuries, and near misses.
• Perform root cause analysis, develop corrective action plans, and ensure timely implementation.
• Communicate trends and findings to leadership and insurance partners.

• Call in utility locates and support pre-excavation planning.
• Conduct post-worksite restoration inspections and quality checks.
• Attend preconstruction and client safety meetings as the company’s safety representative.
• Provide on-site mentorship, risk assessments, and real-time safety support to crews.

• Promote a company-wide culture of safety accountability and hazard awareness.
• Partner with project managers and field leaders to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Report safety metrics, trends, and recommendations to leadership.

• 5+ years of safety leadership experience in construction, preferably in utility, electrical, or heavy civil environments.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA 1926, high-voltage safety, excavation standards, and utility-specific safety protocols.
• Demonstrated experience supporting underground, substation, industrial, or data center projects.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence field teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to adopt safety management software systems.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to be on project sites regularly.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications: CSP, CHST, OSHA Authorized Trainer, or ability to work toward them.
• Experience with Procore or similar platforms.

• Confident and assertive, yet highly collaborative.
• Balanced approach to compliance and coaching.
• Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Passionate about shaping a culture where safety is a core value—not a requirement.

• We are a fast-growing electrical and underground contractor recognized for safety, quality, and culture.
• Our work spans substations, municipal infrastructure, data centers, solar farms, and utility networks, offering diverse and challenging environments.
• Leadership is committed to investing in systems, training, and people for long-term success.
• You’ll have the opportunity to build a best‑in‑class safety program and leave a lasting impact.