As many of you know, a construction site can be a dangerous place. There are a number of hazardous materials present, a great deal of heavy machinery, and a large number of people. Safety officers are put in place on job sites to ensure the protection of construction workers from injury. They do this by creating, implementing, and enforcing safety policies on construction sites. They are also well versed in Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) policies and are in charge of enforcement. Given the nature of the role, you’d think the best safety officers are the ones you never see. On the contrary, an active safety manager regularly monitors their sites and continually improves safety conditions. Here’s a brief look at some of the responsibilities of a safety officer on a construction site. If you like, you can skip to part two of this series for additional responsibilities. Performs Site InspectionsA primary job of the safety officer is to inspect the construction site for hazardous conditions. They make sure that safety equipment is working properly and that safety procedures are being followed. If hazardous conditions are found, the safety officer will make provisions to ensure that they are removed or that a dangerous situation is overcome. Site inspections also ensure that OSHA policies are being followed and that you avoid receiving an OSHA citation. However, should you ever receive a citation, an OSHA lawyer can help you address it. Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided. When accidents occur, safety officers will launch an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and what measures can be put in place to avoid future accidents. Investigations may involve conducting interviews, inspecting equipment, and assessing damage. Conducts OSHA TrainingThe safety officer is the resident authority on OSHA policy on the construction site. They are kept abreast of new policies and can assess training needs. Safety officers build training sessions based on this knowledge and ensure that construction workers understand OSHA policies in order to maintain a safe and compliant environment. Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.