How Do You Become a Construction Site Safety Manager?

<p>Construction site safety managers are in charge of minimizing construction accidents and implementing established safety procedures. Systems evaluation and good communication are two very important skills needed to succeed in this profession. Check out the following table for more details. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Common Education</b> </td><td> Bachelor's Degree</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Construction science, construction management, occupational health and safety, and engineering</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Critical thinking, monitoring, decision-making, and complex problem-solving skills</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Work Experience</b> </td><td> Required in a related occupation</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Licensure/Certification</b> </td><td> Recommended</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 11% (for all Construction Managers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Annual Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $81,900**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoesAConstructionSiteSafetyManagerDo">What Does a Construction Site Safety Manager Do?</h3> <p>Construction site safety managers are responsible for managing and overseeing the safety of a construction site. Their job includes implementing and devising safety procedures, ensuring the proper usage of protective gear and equipment, training employees on safe work practices, and minimizing and investigating construction accidents. Other daily tasks involve interacting with government officials, communicating with vendors or clients to establish safety parameters, developing employee safety education programs, and write and maintain detailed reports about various incidences related to onsite safety. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedADegree">Do I need a Degree?</h3> <p>Typically, holding a bachelor's degree in an educational field related to construction, architecture or occupational safety is required to enter this profession. However, some construction site safety managers hold a high school diploma or equivalent along with work experience in a related occupation and proper certifications related to construction safety. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedWorkExperienceInARelatedOccupation">Do I Need Work Experience in a Related Occupation?</h3> <p>Possessing previous work experience, preferably in the construction industry, is typically required to become a construction safety site manager. Many managers work as an assistant construction safety manager or a construction safety coordinator under a professional construction site safety manager. Previous work experience provides on-the-job training crucial to this profession. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedToBeLicensedOrCertified">Do I need to be Licensed or Certified?</h3> <p>Many employers require their construction site safety managers have completed certain certifications. Among various certifications, construction site safety managers with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications related to occupational safety in construction are generally preferred by most employers. Certifications related to leadership are also favorably viewed by employers as they demonstrate necessary competence and skill required to succeed in this profession. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobProspects">What are the Job Prospects?</h3> <p>According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, a construction site safety manager earns a median salary of $81,900 per year (2021). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for all construction managers is estimated to grow 11% during 2020-30, which is faster than average for all professions. The growth is attributed to the increase in reformation demand of various buildings to make them energy efficient along with population and business growth. Construction managers with a bachelor's degree related to construction science along with appropriate construction experience are expected to have the best job prospects.</p>