HSE Inspector
Job Overview:
The HSE Safety Inspector is a field-based safety oversight position responsible for providing active health, safety, and environmental leadership across multiple industrial and construction environments, including refineries, pulp and paper facilities, and heavy industrial projects. This role focuses on high-risk work activities, including excavation and trenching, rigging and material handling, confined space entry, and critical lift planning and execution.
The HSE Safety Inspector conducts in-depth jobsite inspections, risk assessments and audits, develops task-specific safety plans, and works directly with operations, supervision, and craft personnel to ensure work is performed safely and in compliance with regulatory and company requirements. This position plays a key role in hazard identification, job planning, and safety coaching, while reinforcing a strong Stop Work Authority and proactive safety culture.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Provide field safety oversight for high-risk activities including:
Excavation and trenching
Rigging and material handling
Confined space entry
Crane and critical lift operations
Conduct routine and task-specific jobsite safety inspections and audits to identify hazards and verify compliance
Review, develop, and approve JSAs, confined space plans, excavation plans, and critical lift plans prior to execution
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver HSE training programs and awareness campaigns.
Monitor the implementation of corrective actions and verify their effectiveness.
Verify proper implementation of engineering controls, PPE, and safe work practices
Support operations during work execution by providing real-time coaching and intervention when unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed
Exercise and reinforce Stop Work Authority when conditions pose an imminent risk
Investigate incidents, near misses, and safety observations to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions
Deliver safety awareness training and field-based coaching, including:
JSAs and job planning
Behavior-Based Observations (BBOs)
Stop Work expectations
Rigging/material handling
Track corrective actions to closure and verify effectiveness
Serve as a safety liaison between field operations, management, and clients
Maintain current knowledge of OSHA regulations, industry standards, and client-specific safety requirements
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Occupational safety & health, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or related field preferred
Minimum 5-10 years of field-based HSE experience supporting industrial construction, maintenance, or heavy civil operations
Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations, including:
Excavation and trenching (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)
Cranes, rigging, and lifting operations
Confined space (construction and general industry)
Demonstrated experience performing jobsite safety inspections, hazard assessments, and work-site audits
Ability to read and interpret lift plans, excavation designs, confined space permits, and JSAs
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage field personnel at all levels
Must have a competent/qualified persons certification on:
Excavations/trench safety
Department of transportation (Highway and ROW)
Confined space supervisor
Preferred Qualifications
Safety certifications such as CSP, CHST, ASP, COSM or equivalent
Experience supporting ROW, refinery, pulp and paper, petrochemical, or energy industry operations
Hands-on experience developing:
Confined Space Entry plans and permits
Critical Lift Plans
Excavation and trenching safety plans
Experience delivering safety awareness training, toolbox talks, and job briefings
Proficiency with safety reporting, inspection, and corrective action tracking systems
Strong knowledge of JSAs, BBOs (Behavior-Based Observations), Stop Work Authority, and safety leadership principles
Physical Demands
Frequent walking, including on uneven surfaces
Climbing of stairs and ladders
Moderate stress due to regular deadlines and daily challenges
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Work in inclement weather, including hot and cold extremes
Daily driving for up to 8 hours as necessary