Safety Engineer

Job Summary

The Safety Engineer is responsible for supporting and leading project Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) activities to ensure safe execution of construction works in compliance with company policies, client requirements, and local regulatory standards. The role acts as the in-charge of the Project HSE Department in the absence of the HSE Manager and plays a key role in maintaining high safety standards, monitoring site compliance, managing incidents, and promoting a strong safety culture across the project.

Key Accountabilities

Leadership & Departmental Oversight

• Act as in-charge of the Project HSE Department in the absence of the HSE Manager.


• Accountable to the HSE Manager and functionally reports to the Project Manager for maintaining the highest safety standards throughout project execution.


• Supervise, organize, and assign work programs to all HSE Officers and Inspectors.


• Exercise authority, equivalent to the HSE Manager, to issue stop work orders on site in case of imminent danger.

HSE Management & Compliance

• Lead and actively participate in construction and operational HSE management, ensuring compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.


• Monitor site operations for compliance with ADPHC / ADOSH, DM Code of Construction Safety Practice, and other local regulatory requirements.


• Participate in the development, review, approval, and implementation of key HSE documentation (e.g., Project HSE Plan).


• Inspect and audit all site operations, ensuring adherence to company SOPs, HSE Plan, and policy.


• Liaise with representatives of municipalities, government, or public/local authorities as needed.

Inspection, Monitoring & Reporting

• Develop HSE monitoring programs, undertake daily safety inspections, and recommend corrective actions to the Project Manager / Construction Manager / Subcontractors.


• Track and monitor the close-out of safety violations and observe site safety rules, issuing warnings or improvement notices as necessary.


• Conduct random HSE inspections of other projects, plants, and labor accommodation facilities as per Group HSE Office programs.


• Inspect relevant files, forms, and registers at the site to ensure required tests and inspections are completed and documented.


• Assist in preparing monthly safety reports for submission to the Project Manager and Group HSE Office.

Incident Management & Risk Assessment

• Carry out accident investigations, identify root causes, and propose recommendations for improvement.


• Review site activities using standard risk assessment systems and operating practices; brief staff on precautionary measures.


• Review and approve risk assessment reports.


• Investigate all OHS-related accidents, incidents, and near misses, producing inspection and analysis reports as needed.

Training, Communication & Culture

• Communicate and report safety performance to line management.


• Promote HSE culture as a core value and implement a zero-accident tolerance strategy.


• Provide safety induction training and safety briefings to workers as necessary.


• Demonstrate capable interpersonal and communication skills, expressing ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Coordination & Support Functions

• Coordinate with logistics to recommend site security measures and report substandard security acts or conditions.


• Monitor the activities and attendance of site nurses and other safety personnel.


• Perform all other duties as assigned with the consent of the Group HSE Manager.

Required Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor of Engineering Degree in HSE, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Marine, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent


• Level 6 OHS Diploma (NEBOSH, OTIHM, or equivalent) – Mandatory


• NEBOSH General Certificate in OHS (or NVQ Level 3 equivalent) – Mandatory


• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor – Mandatory


• OSHA 10–30 Hours General Industry Safety and Health Program and/or other HSE-related training – Preferred


• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in the field of Health and Safety, preferably building projects.


• Minimum 3 years of experience as HSE Engineer / Lead or above with an HSE-related Master’s Degree, or relevant experience


• Minimum 4 years of experience as HSE Engineer / Lead or above with an HSE-related Bachelor’s Degree or NEBOSH Diploma (Level 6+), or


• Minimum 5 years of experience as HSE Engineer / Lead or above with Post-Secondary HSE Qualification (NVQ Level 3)


• Strong knowledge of risk assessment and hazard identification techniques


• Sound understanding of regulatory compliance and local authority requirements


• Strong communication, training, and stakeholder engagement skills


• Proven capability in incident investigation and problem-solving


• For Abu Dhabi projects: ADOSH SF Practitioners Course completed with Grade B or above registration