DAVID AUSTIN COTE
Aurora,CO
Summary
Safety Manager and EHS professional with 10+ years of experience leading OSHA-compliant safety programs across construction, transit, utilities, and industrial environments. Proven record of reducing incidents, improving EMR, managing Workers’ Compensation programs, and successfully defending organizations during regulatory investigations. Experienced in Safety Management Systems (SMS), emergency response planning, and cross-functional leadership.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Residential Construction/Landscaping Services/Event Management
Independent Contractor
Denver, Colorado
10.2024 - Current
- Provided home services in the Denver metropolitan area including: landscaping, sod installation, bricklaying, exterior/interior painting, framing and drywall installation.
- Assisted with event management including; organization, set up, and breakdown of large-scale events.
- Developed the safety policies for Elevated Electric Services and assisted with new build electrical installation.
Risk and Safety Coordinator
ECCV Water and Sanitation District
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Oversaw the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Safety Taskforce: updated and maintained the organizational ERP document and the Risk and Resiliency Assessment; coordinated recurring Risk Committee meetings and worked closely with the committee to identify related needs; coordinated tabletop exercises; oversaw the Safety Program and Safety Manual.
- Collaborated with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure minimization of risk and exposure; served as the point person during emergencies and provided communication, reporting, and documentation to stakeholders and designated agencies as required.
- Led, assembled, and facilitated cross-functional teams to identify, assess, aggregate, and mitigate current and emerging risk events as related to the District's Emergency Response Preparedness Planning.
- Escalated and reported serious risks to department leaders for appropriate mitigation.
- Established and monitored management controls for assigned operational areas and ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Worked collaboratively with department leaders to identify, develop, and implement safety training, strategies, tools and methodologies for successful practices, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of risks; tracked related training to ensure compliance.
- Developed, reviewed and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that address risk management, emergency and catastrophic event response, employee injury and worker compensation.
- Oversaw Worker's Compensation, insurance claims and renewals; worked with insurance carriers and developed programs for safety equipment and other safety essentials.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives and provided input and feedback on department policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Transit Safety Specialist – Contractor
Regional Transportation District
Denver, Colorado
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Promoted SMS designed for RTD by utilizing; Safety Management Policy (PTASP), Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion.
- Participated in “High Potential” Investigations using a systematic approach and various techniques such as SCAT and “5 Whys.”
- Developed knowledge and understanding of; FTA, PUC, 49 CFR 673, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
- Observed and provided specialized technical advice to rail and bus. While helping identify emerging risks in working environments and practices.
- Observed and reviewed the process required by the PUC to address RTD’s current Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
- Conducted and participated in Safety Committee Meeting and addressed open items brought to the Safety Division’s attention.
- Conducted facility inspections at each of RTD’s maintenance facilities.
- Appraised each of RTD’s “Silos” in order to understand what training, policies and procedures were in place and adhered to.
- Provided oversight and safety recommendations during rail and infrastructure repair with Maintenance, MOW, Capital Programs, and 3rd party contractors.
- Monitored and oversaw personnel performing maintenance on high-power transmission lines and light rail substations.
Safety Manager
Summit Sealants Inc.
Denver, Colorado
05.2017 - 10.2021
- Instructed and provided efficient and safe solutions to senior management, supervisors, and employees to meet Federal and Local compliance standards.
- Developed a comprehensive training program and schedule for each division that met OSHA training standards.
- Generated and implemented new safety programs to OSHA's specifications and the company's needs.
- Oversaw the purchase and distribution of tools, machinery, and safety equipment.
- Utilized a hands-on approach to design safety equipment systems to meet production goals and ensure the safety of the team.
- Monitored and improved the Experience Modification Rating (EMR/MOD) by reducing jobsite injuries.
- Acquired the Colorado DOL Cost Containment Certification reducing the insurance premium by 10%.
- Cataloged over 500 chemical products to gain a Hazardous Materials Permit to comply with International Fire Code (IFC).
- Implemented fleet management and maintenance protocols including the purchase of GPS tracking on 60+ vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Inspected 30+ job sites on an ongoing basis and conducted safety audits on personnel, equipment, and materials.
- Led injury and incident inquiries and evaluations and analyzed accident reports and evaluated injury case studies based on available data.
- Successfully defended the company through an in-depth OSHA investigation, resulting in no fines or citations and complete exoneration.
District Engineer I
Stingray Pressure Pumping, LLC.
06.2014 - 01.2015
- Completed on-site design, execution, and evaluation of fracturing procedures.
- Generated sales proposals and technical reports for client distribution.
- Drafted and billed daily field tickets totaling over $300,000.
- Oversaw proppant and chemical logistics and supply for field locations.
- Ordered daily sand deliveries totaling over 1.2 million pounds.
- Executed corrective actions in real-time to fluid and chemical treatments.
- Advised consultants with treatment design and execution.
Field Engineer
GoFrac, LLC.
10.2013 - 06.2014
- Conducted stage operations and monitored processes within strict control limits.
- Performed job quality control testing and communicated results.
- Created sales proposals and post-job reports for client distribution.
- Coordinated in compliance with DOT Requirements for the transportation of sand, equipment, and chemicals.
- Assisted in the training and supervision of new engineers.
- Worked non-standard work-week averaging 90+ hours on site per week.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Petroleum And Natural Gas Engineering, Geology
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West VirginiaSkills
- OSHA Compliance & Audits
- Safety Management Systems (SMS / PTASP)
- Incident Investigations (SCAT, 5-Whys)
- Emergency Response Planning (ERP)
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA/JSA)
- Safety Training & Toolbox Talks
- Workers’ Compensation Management
- Regulatory Liaison (OSHA, FTA, PUC)
- Risk Assessments & Mitigation
- SOP Development & Implementation
Certification
- OSHA 30 hr Construction -DOL Approved
- American Red Cross Instructor CPR, AED, and First Aid
- Spider Swing Staging Certification
- Competent Person, CSA Scaffolding Competent Person Training
- Safety One vertical rescue trained
- PEC - CORE COMPLIANCE - SafeLandUSA and SafeGulf. and Energy Training Council
- SMS Awareness Training - SMS Principles of Transit- OTST
Timeline
Residential Construction/Landscaping Services/Event Management
Independent Contractor
10.2024 - Current
Risk and Safety Coordinator
ECCV Water and Sanitation District
11.2023 - 10.2024
Transit Safety Specialist – Contractor
Regional Transportation District
09.2022 - 03.2023
Safety Manager
Summit Sealants Inc.
05.2017 - 10.2021
District Engineer I
Stingray Pressure Pumping, LLC.
06.2014 - 01.2015
Field Engineer
GoFrac, LLC.
10.2013 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Petroleum And Natural Gas Engineering, Geology
West Virginia University