The Safety Manager

When it makes sense to hire a Safety Manager

In complex or non-conventional projects, the figure of the Safety Manager reinforces the preventive management of the promoter and the project management. It does not replace the Health and Safety Coordinator (HSC), It works in parallel with management and with the CSS itself to ensure that health and safety requirements are materialised in the field and in the daily site documentation.

This function is particularly suitable for special works (due to their size or magnitude), works in batches with multiple contractors and for interventions within centres in use - shopping centres, factory extensions, hospitals in operation or stadiums with activity - where coordination becomes critical.

Main tasks of a Safety Manager

The typical scope combines documentary work, operational coordination and on-site verification.

Prior to start-up, it advises on the establishment of procedures for the control of health and safety documentation for companies and workers, as well as protocols for the revision of work equipment and auxiliary means.

During implementation, it encourages the development of safe working procedures, promotes reviews of the Plan de Seguridad y Salud or of the Preventive Management Document when units, equipment or procedures change, and checks compliance with these plans in the field. He also attends coordination meetings convened by the CSS, participates in kick-off meetings with contractors' preventive resources to align permits and formats, and advises on key conditions:

• use of PPE
• collective protections
• signage
• health and care facilities
• access and fencing
• fire protection
• order and cleanliness
• safe use of equipment and auxiliary means.

Incident Management and Safety Manager Reporting

When an accident or incident occurs, the Safety Manager verifies that it is investigated, advises the client and makes recommendations for improvement. In addition, he supports the training and induction of workers and documents his actions by means of reports to the client at the agreed intervals - per visit, daily or weekly - so that decisions are traceable and auditable.

Value of the Safety Manager

The practical value for developers, construction companies, engineering firms and project managers is threefold:

• in advance (integrate preventive solutions from the outset to improve planning and reduce rework),
• compliance (technical presence on site to increase operational discipline and accelerate corrections)
• link (in batch works, act as a link between management, SSC and contractors for consistent results).

Limitations and operational realism of the Safety Manager

The Safety Manager is not a legal “joker” or a substitute for contractor or CSS obligations; its effectiveness depends on adequate dedication (by visits or full time), the support of the project management and that the non-conformities detected are transformed into site decisions. Nor does it replace tools for CAE It complements them, closing the loop between “paper” and field, especially useful if integrated with the customer's document exchange platforms.

How to dimension the dedication of the Safety Manager

The need is triggered when several contractors concur in parallel, frequent changes of procedure or equipment, critical phases with coexistence of users (centres in service) or a high level of risk due to techniques or deadlines. In these scenarios, increasing presence in the field and the frequency of reports provides immediate returns in terms of risk control and continuity of work.

Deliverables and way of working

It is advisable to agree from the outset on the list of observations in the field, the milestones for documentary review, attendance at key meetings and the reporting format (with those responsible, photographic evidence and deadlines for closure). The periodic report should include incidents, measures adopted and the evolution of commitments, aligning CSS, the promoter and contractors on the same control board.

Benefits of the Safety Manager

The main advantage is to reduce the gap between what is planned and what happens every day on site, with measurable improvements in compliance with the Health and Safety Plan or the Preventive Management Document and in the coordination of concurrent activities. In works in use, it advises in order to avoid interference with the operation of the centre and improves the perception of safety of workers, users and property.

What to require from the Safety Manager supplier

Experience on site, criteria for advising on the adaptation of procedures, ability to mediate with contractors and rigour in document traceability.

If you want to ensure that your project complies with all the necessary Health and Safety requirements, contact us. We can help you both in the project phase and in the execution phase.