Health and Safety Manager

Health and Safety Manager
Ready to contribute to one of our Stockholm-area projects? We're offering an exciting opportunity for a Health and Safety Manager to grow in a dynamic, international environment at our tunnel project directly under Stockholm.
The Construction Health and Safety Manager will lead health and safety initiatives on tunnel construction projects, ensuring adherence to safety regulations, minimizing health hazards, and promoting a culture of safety among all employees and contractors. This position requires in-depth knowledge of tunneling risks, such as confined spaces, air quality control, geological hazards, and emergency response.
Responsibilities:
1. Risk Assessment and Management
Conduct site-specific risk assessments, particularly for unique tunnel hazards like air quality issues, confined spaces, and potential structural collapses.
Develop risk assessment and mitigation strategies for both planned activities and unexpected events.
Monitor geological and environmental factors that could impact worker safety and adjust protocols as needed.

2. Safety Planning and Implementation
Create and enforce health and work environment plans tailored to tunneling operations.
Establish tunnel-specific safety measures, including ventilation requirements, equipment handling, and protective gear protocols.
Implement control measures for handling explosives, electrical systems, and heavy machinery.

3. Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
Ensure full compliance with Swedish work environment regulations as well as European health and safety regulations, and or other relevant authorities.
Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, incident reports, and corrective actions taken.
Liaise with regulatory bodies to stay current with laws, regulations, and best practices for tunnel safety.

4. Training and Awareness
Design and deliver training programs on safety procedures, including safe entry and exit, emergency evacuation, and equipment use.
Conduct refresher training sessions on specific hazards associated with tunneling, like air quality monitoring and noise and vibration control.
Develop informational materials and signage to reinforce safety protocols on-site.

5. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Plan and coordinate emergency drills, ensuring all personnel understand evacuation routes, rescue operations, and first-aid procedures.
Establish and regularly review emergency response plans, including contact points and procedures for coordination with local emergency services.
Equip the site with necessary first-aid stations, firefighting equipment, and emergency communication tools.

6. Air Quality and Environmental Health Control
Monitor air quality within the tunnel for hazardous gases (e.g., CO, methane, diesel exhaust and dust) and enforce ventilation requirements.
Oversee dust suppression efforts to protect respiratory health.
Implement environmental protection measures to minimize impact on surrounding ecosystems.

7. Incident Investigation and Reporting
Lead investigations into any safety incidents or near-misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
Prepare incident reports and communicate findings to management, recommending changes to prevent future incidents.
Maintain an open line of communication with workers to encourage reporting and discussion of safety concerns.

8. Coordination with Other Departments and Contractors
Work closely with engineering, logistics, and construction teams to ensure all phases of tunnel work integrate safety requirements.
Conduct regular meetings with the client, contractors and subcontractors to review safety protocols and ensure alignment with project safety goals.

9. Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Stay updated on advancements in tunneling safety technology, such as automated monitoring systems or improved ventilation systems.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, soliciting feedback from workers on how safety practices can be enhanced.
Analyze trends from safety data to implement proactive improvements.

This role requires excellent communication skills, a strong attention to detail, and a deep understanding of tunneling-specific hazards.
Educational Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in a related field (e.g., Safety Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or Construction Management) can be an advantage.
Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, Geology, or a related field. Some relevant technical diplomas if combined with extensive experience.

Professional Certifications:
NEBOSH Diploma for a solid grounding in safety principles or NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.
Tunnel Safety Training – Certifications specific to tunneling, such as the
BAS U/P Certificate (Building and construction work environment coordination) or similar, is required.

Experience Requirements:
Minimum of 3-7 Years of Experience in construction health and safety, ideally with a significant portion of that time focused on tunneling, underground, or confined-space construction projects.
Specific Tunnel Construction Experience — Knowledge of the unique hazards of tunnel construction, such as geotechnical and hydrogeological risk, air quality control, ventilation, confined spaces, and underground evacuation.

Key Skills:
Risk Assessment and Analysis — Ability to conduct and interpret safety risk assessments, particularly in high-risk environments.
Knowledge of Safety Regulations — Strong understanding of local and international safety regulations and other tunnel-specific standards.
Leadership and Communication — Skilled in leading teams, conducting training, and liaising with multiple stakeholders to communicate safety requirements.
Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management — Experienced in developing and implementing emergency response plans, including training staff and coordinating drills.
Technical Expertise in Tunnel Safety Measures — Familiarity with tunnel ventilation systems, dust control measures, and air quality monitoring equipment.
Problem-Solving and Incident Investigation — Proficiency in root-cause analysis and incident investigation to identify preventive solutions.

HOCHTIEF is one of the world’s largest construction groups globally. We are involved at all stages of construction, bridges, roads,tunnels, ports, railways, airports and facilities, as well as in conventional and renewable energy.