Job Specification - EHSS Specialist (Construction & Commissioning Safety)
Position Title
EHSS Specialist - Construction & Commissioning Safety
Department
Environment, Health, Safety & Security (EHSS)
Reporting To
Associate Director, EHSS
Location
Athlone, Ireland
Position Summary
The EHSS Specialist - Construction & Commissioning Safety is responsible for providing specialist health and safety support during the construction, installation, commissioning, qualification and start-up of new facilities, utilities, manufacturing equipment and infrastructure projects.
The role acts as the EHSS Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting project managers, engineering teams, commissioning teams and contractors to ensure all project activities are executed safely and in compliance with applicable legislation, Company Construction Safety Requirements, and Commissioning Safety Requirements. The position will have a strong field presence and focus on the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities through proactive risk management, contractor engagement and operational readiness verification.
Key Responsibilities
Construction Safety Management
- Provide dedicated EHSS support to capital projects, facility expansions, utility upgrades and equipment installation projects.
- Ensure compliance with Construction Safety Management and Construction Safety Requirements standards and Commissioning Safety Standards.
- Monitor compliance of PSDP and PSCS.
- Review and approve contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
- Lead construction safety inspections, audits and contractor safety reviews.
- Monitor contractor performance against project safety requirements.
- Conduct leadership safety walks and field observations.
- Ensure effective management of high-risk construction activities.
- Lead investigations into incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.
- Support development of commissioning and start-up safety training programmes.
- Ensure compliance with Irish Health & Safety legislation, Construction Regulations, Environmental requirements, Corporate EHSS standards and Project safety management plans.
Commissioning & Start-Up Safety
- Act as Client EHSS lead during equipment commissioning and facility start-up.
- Ensure compliance with Commissioning Safety Requirements.
- Participate in commissioning planning and readiness reviews.
- Conduct EHSS reviews of commissioning procedures and execution plans.
- Provide support during energisation and functional testing activities.
- Monitor commissioning activities involving hazardous energy and process introductions.
- Support safe transition from construction to operational phases.
- Client EHSS participation in PSSR activities.
- Verify training and competency requirements are completed for operational teams.
- Provide oversight of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) programmes.
- Review permit-to-work controls during construction and commissioning phases.
Qualifications / Experience
Essential
- Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, Environmental Science or related technical discipline.
- Recognised Health & Safety qualification.
- Strong understanding of construction and commissioning safety principles.
Desirable
- ISO 140001 / ISO 45001 Internal or Lead Auditor qualification.
- PSDP / PSCS awareness training.
Experience
Essential
- 5+ years' EHSS experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, chemical or industrial manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting construction projects and contractor management.
- Experience supporting equipment commissioning and start-up activities.
Desirable
- Experience with CQV (Commissioning, Qualification and Validation) programmes.
- Experience leading Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.
- Experience with utilities, process equipment and building systems commissioning
