Colton Cole Bailey
Fernley
Summary
Results-driven Construction Safety Professional with progressive leadership experience supporting utility-scale renewable power projects totaling more than 975 MWDC. Advanced from Safety Engineer I to Lead Safety Engineer, providing safety leadership for a peak workforce of 350 craft professionals while partnering with project leadership to integrate safety into planning, high-risk work execution, and daily operations. Experienced in OSHA compliance, incident investigations, client engagement, and fostering an Incident & Injury Free (IIF) culture throughout all phases of construction, energization, commissioning, and startup.
Overview
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Lead Safety Engineer (Safety Engineer II)
Kiewit Power Constructors
Fernley, NV
03.2026 - Current
- Provide project safety leadership supporting execution of a 600 MWDC utility-scale solar construction project from construction through energization and startup.
- Partner daily with the Project Manager, Construction Manager, General Superintendents, superintendents, foremen, craft professionals, and subcontractors to proactively manage project risk.
- Present weekly safety performance to client representatives including leading indicators, injury performance, corrective actions, focus areas, and emerging project risks.
- Review permits, Job Hazard Analyses, work packages, and execution plans before work reaches the field to verify critical controls.
- Lead incident and near-miss investigations using root cause analysis; track corrective actions and communicate lessons learned.
- Conduct daily field inspections and dedicated weekly Lockout/Tagout audits supporting commissioning and startup activities.
- Facilitate Plan of the Day meetings, mass safety meetings, foreman training, and approximately 15 new-hire orientations.
- Coach supervisors and craft personnel through field observations and hazard recognition discussions.
- Coordinate safety expectations across five subcontractors to promote consistent compliance and safety culture.
- Exercise Stop Work Authority when conditions present unacceptable risk.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying trends from inspections, investigations, and field observations.
Safety Engineer I
St. Louis, MO
07.2025 - 03.2026
- Supported implementation of district safety programs across industrial power construction projects.
- Performed audits, orientations, inspections, hazard assessments, and regulatory compliance activities.
- Collaborated with field leadership to improve pre-task planning and reinforce safe work practices.
Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP), WisCon OSHA Consultation & Wisconsin DHS
- Conducted occupational health research, shadowed OSHA consultants, collected and analyzed qualitative data, and presented findings to NIOSH/CDC audiences.
Property Service Incorporated
- Performed heavy equipment operations, excavation support, concrete formwork, fencing, decking, and underground utility tasks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Health (Occupational Health), Kinesiology – Exercise Science
Western Washington University
Bellingham08-2024
Skills
- OSHA 1926 Construction Standards & Regulatory Compliance
- Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
- Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) & Site-Specific Safety Plans (SSSP)
- Permit-to-Work & Work Package Review
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Program Auditing
- Electrical Safety, Arc Flash & Energized Work Planning
- Excavation, Fall Protection, Confined Space & Crane/Rigging Safety
Certification
- OSHA 30 Construction
- OSHA 10 Construction
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- CITI Responsible Conduct of Research
Timeline
Lead Safety Engineer (Safety Engineer II)
Kiewit Power Constructors
03.2026 - Current
Safety Engineer I
07.2025 - 03.2026
Property Service Incorporated
Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP), WisCon OSHA Consultation & Wisconsin DHS
Bachelor of Science - Public Health (Occupational Health), Kinesiology – Exercise Science
Western Washington University
LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Supports project leadership on a 600 MWDC utility-scale solar EPC project.
- Presents weekly safety performance, injuries, trends, and action items directly to the client.
- Supports approximately 350 craft workers, 50 staff members, and five subcontractors.
- Conducted approximately 15 new-hire orientations and led approximately 15 incident investigations.
- Conducts daily field inspections and weekly Lockout/Tagout audits during energization and startup.
- Reviews permits and high-risk work packages prior to field execution.
- Participates in weekly PM, CM, and General Superintendent leadership meetings.
AWARDS
James P. Keogh Scholarship (APHA), Outstanding Public Health Major – Western Washington University