Site HSE Specialist

Job Summary

The Site HSE Specialist is responsible for implementing and monitoring health, safety, and environmental requirements for earthworks, deep excavation, and associated construction activities for a project in Makkah. The role ensures compliance with approved HSE plans, project specifications, applicable Saudi regulations, and client requirements, with particular emphasis on excavation safety, ground stability, heavy equipment operations, and prevention of workplace incidents.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor project HSE plans, procedures, risk assessments, and method statements for earthworks and deep excavation activities.
• Conduct daily site inspections to identify unsafe conditions, hazardous practices, and potential risks associated with excavation and construction operations.
• Monitor excavation safety, including trench protection, shoring, slope stability, access and egress, edge protection, and ground movement.
• Ensure excavation permits, work permits, utility clearances, and required approvals are in place before work commences.
• Monitor heavy equipment operations, including excavators, dump trucks, bulldozers, loaders, and other earthmoving machinery, ensuring safe movement and segregation of personnel and equipment.
• Verify implementation of controls for underground utilities, falling materials, falling into excavations, dust, noise, vibration, and potential water ingress.
• Ensure compliance with requirements for working near excavation edges, lifting operations, temporary works, and confined spaces where applicable.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety inductions, and regular workforce awareness sessions on excavation hazards and safe work practices.
• Monitor the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with site safety rules.
• Report and investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe acts, and follow up on corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate with construction teams, subcontractors, engineers, and HSE management to resolve safety concerns and ensure compliance with approved procedures.
• Maintain HSE inspection records, incident reports, permit documentation, safety observations, and daily and weekly reports.
• Monitor emergency preparedness, including excavation rescue arrangements, emergency access, evacuation procedures, and first-aid provisions.
• Ensure proper housekeeping, waste management, dust suppression, and environmental protection measures are implemented.
• Immediately report critical hazards and stop unsafe work in accordance with project procedures and delegated authority.

Qualification, Technical Skills and Competencies

• Diploma or bachelor's degree or relevant degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is required.
• Additional certifications in first aid, incident investigation, or construction safety are an advantage.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant HSE experience in construction, earthworks, and excavation projects.
• Demonstrated experience in deep excavation, trenching, shoring, ground support, and heavy equipment operations.
• Experience working on large-scale infrastructure, urban development, or construction projects.
• Familiarity with Saudi HSE regulations, client requirements, permit-to-work systems, and construction safety procedures.
• Experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of excavation hazards, ground stability, shoring systems, and construction risk controls.
• Ability to conduct site inspections, risk assessments, toolbox talks, and incident investigations.
• Good understanding of heavy equipment safety, traffic management, lifting operations, and emergency response.
• Ability to identify hazards, enforce safe working practices, and coordinate effectively with construction teams and subcontractors.
• Strong communication, reporting, observation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in preparing HSE reports, maintaining safety records, and monitoring corrective actions.
• Ability to work in a demanding construction environment and respond effectively to high-risk activities.