Dawn Yates
Independence,KY
Summary
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) leader with 30+ years of combined construction and safety management experience, including directing safety programs at the corporate level. Currently managing EHS for a $300M Turner Construction project, ensuring zero regulatory citations, and driving continuous improvement. Proven record of executive-level collaboration, successfully defending organizations in OSHA conferences, and pioneering mental health initiatives in construction.
I have twenty years of experience as a skilled tradesman in industrial maintenance and construction. I believe my past field experience facilitates a relationship and builds trust with tradesmen and tradeswomen when it comes to implementing safety.
My passion is supporting the men and women who bring projects to fruition and finding solutions to complex problems by involving those whom the decisions affect. Your approach and follow-through are what will make others want to follow you.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Safety Manager
Turner Construction
Cincinnati, OH
02.2023 - Current
- Direct EHS leadership for a $300M high-profile project, accountable for compliance, risk management, and program execution.
- Partner with executives, project managers, and subcontractor leadership to align corporate safety strategy with daily execution.
- Develop and enforce safety policies, maintain OSHAVPP status, ISO 14001 Certification and achieving zero OSHA citations while surpassing incident reduction targets.
- Deliver executive-level safety performance reports with actionable recommendations.
- Mentor management and field staff to strengthen long-term safety culture.
- Supporting the Business Unit in the absence of the Safety Director while maintaining oversight on assigned project.
- Developed safety protocols for construction projects to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Conducted safety training sessions for staff and subcontractors on best practices.
- Collaborated with project managers to integrate safety measures into project planning.
- Reviewed safety documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Investigated incidents and near-misses to determine root causes and prevent recurrence.
Instructor
University of Cincinnati – Great Lakes OSHA Education Center
01.2020 - Current
- Taught OSHA-authorized courses 500, 501, 502, 503, and Trenching & Excavation.
- Developed curriculum to enhance regional workforce safety training programs.
- Provided thought leadership on best practices in occupational safety education.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops to enhance practical safety skills.
- Developed engaging course materials for occupational safety training programs.
- Collaborated with industry experts to update training content regularly.
Safety Manager
Grote Enterprises
Cincinnati, OH
10.2018 - 02.2023
- Designed and implemented safety programs across multiple job sites, shaping company-wide EHS strategy.
- Directed incident investigations, corrective actions, and corporate policy updates.
- Represented company in client and executive meetings, supporting VPP readiness.
- Managed workers’ compensation, COATS compliance, and drug-free workplace programs across 3 companies.
- Developed safety policies to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Audited work environments to identify potential hazards and risks.
- Collaborated with management to enhance workplace safety culture.
- Maintained accurate safety records and documentation for regulatory purposes.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations related to occupational health and safety.
- Inspected facilities regularly for compliance with OSHA standards.
- Participated in industry-wide committees focused on improving overall worker health and safety standards.
- Assisted in the development of emergency response plans in case of accidents or disasters.
- Supported Project managers during bidding, launching and mobilizing projects.
- Supported employees in the field to find solutions to complex problems and ensure compliance with General Contractors and OSHA.
Safety Director
Jostin Construction
Cincinnati, OH
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Directed company-wide EHS program, overseeing compliance, training, and field safety operations.
- Represented employer in OSHA informal conference, achieving rescission of $25,000 in citations.
- Elevated compliance standards by strengthening safety management systems and policies.
- Collaborated with executives to integrate safety into core business priorities.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for construction site employees.
- Managed incident reporting process and analyzed trends for improvement.
- Reviewed and updated safety policies in line with industry standards.
- Trained and mentored employees in safety practices and evaluation procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Safety & Health
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Safety & Health
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH01.2024
Skills
- Occupational safety
- Risk management
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Compliance auditing
- Safety training
- Lifting and rigging
Awards
- Featured in Constructor Magazine, " Three Women Changing the Face of Cincinnati's Construction Industry", Summer 2023
- Excellence in Safety Leadership, Allied Construction Industries, 2022
- National Safety Hero, iReportSource, 2018
Certification
- Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST)
- Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer – Construction & General Industry
- Train-the-Trainer: Mobile Equipment
- Certified Confined Space Rescuer & Technical Rope Technician
- Mental Health First Aid Trainer
- Drug-Free Workplace Trainer
- CPR / First Aid / AED Trainer
Personal Information
Title: CHST
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic EHS Program Development & Execution
- Regulatory Compliance (OSHA, ANSI, EPA)
- Safety Culture Transformation & Workforce Engagement
- Enterprise-Wide Risk Mitigation & Policy Development
- Executive & Board-Level Reporting & Advisement
- Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Advocacy in Construction
- Organizational Training Program Design & Delivery
- Cross-Functional Collaboration with Executives, PMs & Subcontractors
Timeline
Project Safety Manager
Turner Construction
02.2023 - Current
Instructor
University of Cincinnati – Great Lakes OSHA Education Center
01.2020 - Current
Safety Manager
Grote Enterprises
10.2018 - 02.2023
Safety Director
Jostin Construction
01.2016 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Safety & Health
Columbia Southern University
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Safety & Health
University of Cincinnati