We are seeking a qualified and proactive Safety Engineer to join our tunneling project team. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge and hands-on experience in tunnel safety operations, including NATM tunneling, confined space management, underground ventilation, and emergency response planning.
The Safety Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring that all site operations are carried out in accordance with established safety policies, legal regulations, and client specifications. The position requires a vigilant and dedicated professional who can promote a culture of safety awareness, compliance, and continuous improvement across all levels of the workforce.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement and monitor the project's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) plan, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, codes, and company standards.
- Conduct regular site inspections of tunneling, excavation, shotcrete, and support activities to identify potential hazards and enforce corrective measures.
- Ensure that all underground activities are performed in accordance with tunnel safety standards, including ventilation, gas monitoring, lighting, and confined space protocols.
- Must have knowledge in various documents such as Project EHS Plan, Project Emergency Plan, Project Environment Plan, Project Waste Management Plan, Work permit System.
- Organize daily toolbox talks and safety briefings to educate workers on job-specific hazards, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures.
- Monitor and verify that all personnel entering the tunnel are equipped with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are aware of safe work practices.
- Supervise the implementation of ventilation and dewatering systems, ensuring proper air quality and drainage during tunneling operations.
- Ensure compliance with fire and explosion prevention measures, including the safe storage and handling of explosives, fuels, and chemicals.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date safety records, including inspection reports, incident logs, and training attendance sheets.
- Investigate all accidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions, identify root causes, and recommend preventive actions.
- Coordinate emergency response drills, first-aid preparedness, and evacuation procedures in coordination with tunnel operations and firefighting teams.
- Liaise with client representatives, consultants, and safety auditors during inspections and ensure closure of all non-conformities or observations.
- Verify that all machinery, electrical installations, and shotcrete systems in the tunnel are regularly inspected and certified safe for use.
- Assist the Site In-charges in developing safety improvement initiatives and implementing behavioral safety programs for continuous enhancement of site safety culture.
- Ensure effective communication and coordination among various teams engineering, mechanical, and geological to minimize safety risks during interface activities.
- Promote a culture of accountability, discipline, and awareness throughout the workforce to maintain a zero-incident work environment.
Required Qualifications And Experience
- Degree / Diploma in Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical) or Science, with a recognized Safety Certification (NEBOSH / IOSH / Diploma in Industrial Safety).
- 5 to 7 years of experience in safety management, with at least 3 years in tunnel or underground construction projects (NATM / TBM / Cut & Cover).
- In-depth understanding of tunneling operations, confined space safety, and underground hazards such as gas emission, water ingress, or rock fall.
- Familiarity with HSE management systems, ISO 45001:2018 & ISO 14001:2015 & IS 3370 ((Part 1-4): 2009 standards, and statutory safety regulations.
- Experience in preparing safety documentation, reports, and presenting findings to management and client representatives.
- Good communication and leadership skills influence workforce behavior and ensure compliance at all levels.
- Practical knowledge of emergency preparedness, first-aid, firefighting, and rescue operations.
- Proficiency in MS Office and reporting tools for maintaining safety data and documentation.
- Ability to work in rotational shifts and adapt to challenging underground environments.
Key Skills
- Tunnel Safety & Risk Assessment
- NATM / Underground Safety Practices
- Confined Space Management
- Ventilation & Gas Monitoring Systems
- Safety Documentation & Audits
- Emergency Response Planning
- Incident Investigation & Reporting
- PPE Management & Safety Compliance
- Training & Workforce Awareness
- Coordination with Engineering and Operations Teams
