On Site Board Certified Construction Health and Safety Technicians: Raising the Bar for Jobsite Safety
In the high risk world of construction, safety isn’t just a checklist — it’s a culture. While many projects have a “safety person” on site, there’s a significant difference between general safety personnel and a Board Certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST).
A CHST brings nationally recognized credentials, rigorous training, and proven expertise to the jobsite, ensuring safety isn’t just monitored — it’s actively engineered into every phase of the work.
What a CHST Does On Site
A CHST is certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), a credential that requires documented experience, a comprehensive exam, and ongoing professional development. On site, their role is hands on and proactive: • Hazard Identification & Control Conducts daily walkthroughs to spot hazards before they cause incidents, from fall risks to equipment malfunctions, and implements immediate corrective actions. • Regulatory Compliance Interprets and applies OSHA, state, and local safety regulations to the specific conditions of the site, ensuring the project stays inspection ready at all times. • Safety Program Implementation Develops and enforces site specific safety plans, integrating them into daily operations rather than treating them as separate paperwork. • Training & Mentorship Delivers toolbox talks, task specific training, and one on one coaching to crews, ensuring every worker understands both the “what” and the “why” of safe practices. • Incident Investigation & Prevention Leads root cause investigations for near misses and incidents, then designs preventive measures to stop recurrence.
• Coordination with All Stakeholders
Works directly with owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and inspectors to align safety goals with production schedules.
How They Differ from “Normal” Safety Personnel
While a general safety officer or site safety rep may have valuable experience, the CHST credential signals a higher, standardized level of competency:
General Safety Personnel Board Certified CHST
May have informal or company specific training Must meet BCSP eligibility requirements and pass a national exam
Focus may be limited to enforcing rules Focuses on hazard prevention, program integration, and continuous improvement
Knowledge may vary by individual Knowledge is benchmarked against national SH&E standards
May work part time on safety duties Often dedicated full time to safety oversight
Limited formal recognition outside company Credential recognized across the construction industry
Why It Matters for Your Project
Having an on site CHST means:
• Fewer incidents through proactive hazard control
• Reduced downtime from regulatory delays or stop work orders
• Improved crew morale because workers see safety as a shared priority, not a policing function
• Stronger client confidence knowing a certified professional is safeguarding the project
Bottom line: A CHST isn’t just “the safety person.” They’re a certified safety strategist, educator, and problem solver — embedded in your project to protect people, productivity, and your bottom line.