Safety Director - Transmission

Thayer Infrastructure Services (TIS) and its affiliated companies•Pataskala, OH

About The Position

The Director of Safety leads the overall safety strategy and execution for transmission line construction and maintenance projects, ensuring all field operations—energized and de-energized—are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and customer standards. This leadership role champions a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organization, with a strong presence in the field and a deep understanding of utility work environments.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of progressive safety leadership in transmission line construction or maintenance.
Deep knowledge of OSHA 1926 Subpart V, 1910.269, NESC, and utility safety practices.
Experience leading safety during energized work, helicopter operations, and storm response.
Proven ability to influence field teams and executive leadership alike.
Relevant certifications (CSP, CUSP, CHST, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

Set the vision for a strong, field-driven safety culture across all transmission crews and support functions.
Promote accountability, engagement, and ownership of safety at all organizational levels.
Act as the face of the company’s safety commitment in interactions with customers, regulators, and field personnel.
Ensure company-wide compliance with OSHA (including 1926 Subpart V and 1910.269), DOT, NESC, ANSI, and relevant utility-specific requirements.
Oversee all safety-related audits, inspections, and incident reporting, both internally and for client or regulatory reviews.
Lead interpretation and implementation of safety rules in complex utility environments (e.g., energized transmission lines, helicopter work, hot stick/live-line work).
Review and approve project-specific safety plans, including Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), switching procedures, and energized work protocols.
Monitor critical field activities such as structure replacements, wire pulls, tower erection, and storm restoration to ensure real-time compliance.
Engage directly with General Foremen, Superintendents, and Safety Specialists to support safe operations.
Lead the company’s response to safety incidents, including root cause investigations, corrective action development, and client communication.
Oversee incident command protocols during major events or emergency work (e.g., storm mobilizations).
Evaluate systemic risks and implement programs to mitigate exposure across the organization.
Direct the development and delivery of specialized training, including: - Transmission line work zone safety - Fall protection & rescue - Electrical hazard awareness (including MAD, equipotential grounding, step-touch potential) - Helicopter operations and live-line work (if applicable)
Coordinate with Training Managers and Safety Advisors to ensure onboarding, retraining, and certifications meet both company and client expectations.
Supervise regional and project-based safety professionals.
Provide coaching and mentorship to safety staff and operations leaders to elevate safety competencies.
Conduct regular field visits and safety audits across regions and projects to reinforce standards.
Represent the company in client safety meetings, pre-job briefs, and performance reviews.
Review and approve subcontractor safety plans, verify field adherence, and lead onboarding and coordination processes.
Align subcontractor safety performance with company and client expectations.
Track and report KPIs including TRIR, LTIR, Near Misses, and Stop Work Authority activations.
Analyze trends and lead data-driven improvements to reduce incidents and increase leading indicator performance.
Present safety performance summaries to executive leadership, clients, and external stakeholders.
Develop and manage the annual transmission safety budget, including PPE, technology, training, and staffing.
Evaluate and deploy safety technologies (e.g., digital forms, wearable sensors, drone inspections).
Maintain relationships with insurance, claims, and legal teams for safety-related matters.