Chris Shade
West Des Moines,IA
Summary
Results-driven Safety Engineer with over 12 years of leadership experience in construction, electrical, and Industrial safety management. Proven track record assisting in the directing safety programs large-scale infrastructure projects, achieving zero lost-time incidents and reducing OSHA recordable by 40%. Skilled in building safety-first cultures, delivering NFPA 70E and arc-flash training, and partnering with executives and crews to embed safety into every stage of project execution. Recognized for aligning safety strategy with business goals while safeguarding people, assets, and reputations.
Professional with comprehensive experience in engineering safety, well-prepared for this role. Expertise in risk assessment, hazard identification, and safety protocol implementation ensures secure work environment. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Reliable, possessing keen attention to detail, and skilled in regulatory compliance and safety training.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Safety Engineer
EPI Power
06.2023 - Current
- Assisted in the direction of safety programs for multi-million-dollar power distribution, electrical infrastructure, and data center projects, achieving zero lost-time incidents.
- Delivered electrical safety training programs (LOTO, NFPA 70E, arc flash prevention), increasing compliance and worker confidence.
- Led and mentored safety teams supporting multi-disciplinary crews, fostering accountability and alignment with organizational safety objectives.
- Partnered with executives and utility clients to integrate safety into energized work, switchgear installation, and commissioning activities.
- Spearheaded incident investigations and near-miss reviews, improving job hazard analysis (JHA) processes and preventive controls.
Facility Safety & Security Program Specialist
Childserve
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Inspect security systems (access control, cameras, alarms) to ensure they are functional.
- Respond to security incidents – missing patient alerts, behavioral incidents, or unauthorized visitors.
- Provide escort and presence support for sensitive patient situations (CPS visits, custody disputes, or behavioral health holds).
- Maintain compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, and OSHA standards related to hospital safety and security.
- Conduct and document safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
- Participate in emergency drills (fire, evacuation, infant abduction, active threat, weather emergencies).
- Review and update hospital Emergency Operations Plans (EOP).
- Promote a culture of safety awareness throughout all departments.
Field Safety Manager
Hulcher Services
04.2022 - 07.2023
- Conduct track and worksite inspections to ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and company policies.
- Observe train wreckers (Operators, Labors, and Supervisors) to verify proper PPE use, lockout/tagout, and track protection procedures.
- Identify unsafe conditions or practices, issue corrective actions, and follow up on closure of deficiencies.
- Perform job safety briefings before work begins, especially on high-risk tasks (heavy equipment use).
- Lead safety meetings, toolbox talks, and refresher training for crews and supervisors.
- Ensure training certifications (e.g., roadway worker protection, confined space, fall protection, equipment operation) are current and properly documented.
- Promote a 'Safety First' culture through positive reinforcement, recognition programs, and open communication.
Field Safety Specialist
Q3 Contracting | Primoris
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Oversaw compliance and safety for power plant construction and electrical upgrade projects, ensuring adherence to OSHA, EPA, and NFPA standards.
- Conducted routine site audits and inspections, identifying hazards and implementing process improvements that reduced incidents by 50%.
- Delivered safety orientations and task-specific training for over 1000 employees and subcontractors, enhancing overall compliance.
- Collaborated with project leadership to integrate safety requirements into scheduling and work sequencing, minimizing risk in critical-path activities.
- Assisted with incident and near-miss investigations, driving corrective actions that reduced repeat events.
Safety Manager
Dubai Municipality
04.2010 - 07.2021
- Led investigations of workplace accidents, identifying root causes and developing corrective action plans.
- Respond to safety incidents.
- Scene investigations and evidence collection: working with other entities gather information needed to conduct investigation and assist with the collection of evidence pertaining to the investigation.
- Conduct interviews with potential witnesses, supervisors and the injured.
- Submit legal briefs to legal representatives for cases requiring court proceedings.
- Developed and delivered safety training programs for employees across various companies.
- Analyze safety data to identify trends and implement proactive safety measures.
- Led a lean initiative across the municipality as well as individual businesses.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, ALMaster’s degree - occupational health and safety/environmental
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL08.2027
Skills
- Electrical & Power Infrastructure Safety (NFPA 70E, Arc Flash, LOTO)
- OSHA, EPA, and DOT Compliance
- Risk Assessment & Hazard Mitigation
- Safety Training & Workforce Development
- Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
- Contractor & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Audit & Inspection Program Leadership
- Safety Culture Transformation
- Competent Person: Excavation & Trenching
- SWPPP
- Construction safety
- Hazard identification
- Electrical safety
- Lockout and tagout procedures
Affiliations
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), Member
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Member
Certification
- OSHA 30 (Construction)
- OSHA 510
- OSHA 3015 (Excavation & Trenching)
- OSHA 40-Hour Supervisors Training
- EM-385-1 40-hour training
- NFPA 70E / Electrical Safety Training
- First Aid / CPR / AED Certified
- NREMT (currently inactive)
- BCSP STSC
- ICS 100 – 400
- NIMS 700 & 800
Timeline
Facility Safety & Security Program Specialist
Childserve
08.2023 - 01.2025
Project Safety Engineer
EPI Power
06.2023 - Current
Field Safety Manager
Hulcher Services
04.2022 - 07.2023
Field Safety Specialist
Q3 Contracting | Primoris
08.2021 - 03.2022
Safety Manager
Dubai Municipality
04.2010 - 07.2021
Master’s degree - occupational health and safety/environmental
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor’s Degree - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Personal Information
Title: Safety Engineer