PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
MILITARY
Timeline

Derek Wentworth

Wharton-Smith, Inc.
Clermont,FL
22
years of professional experience

Enterprise Safety Leader with extensive experience overseeing large, complex construction projects across multiple regions, supporting and managing projects valued from $20M to over $1.5B. In my current role as an Area Safety Manager, I lead and develop a team of 9 direct-report Safety Managers, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and accountability to ensure consistent safety execution across multiple projects and regions. Proven ability to influence and build relationships with executive leadership, operational teams, and field personnel to integrate safety into core business strategy, production planning, and risk management. Highly effective in building resilient, high-performance safety cultures through leadership development, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives. Recognized for driving measurable reductions in incidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering sustainable safety performance that supports long-term organizational success.

Work History

Area Safety Manager

11 Months
Wharton-Smith, Inc. | 09.2025 - Current
  • Conducted thorough safety audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Perform hiring duties for on-site and traveling safety managers.
  • Assign safety managers to projects in the Central and North Florida area.
  • Mentored and coached safety managers, enhancing team knowledge and professional development within the organization.
  • Fostered a culture of safety through regular communication and engagement initiatives with employees.
  • Facilitated continuous improvement in safety performance through the analysis of data trends and implementation of targeted action plans.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify hazards and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
  • Provided expert guidance on regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and company policies related to safety management.
  • Managed the investigation of workplace incidents, ensuring accurate documentation and timely reporting to relevant authorities.
  • Established a strong safety culture by promoting awareness and accountability among all staff members.
  • Coached supervisors on effective safety leadership techniques, fostering a proactive approach towards hazard identification and control.
  • Ensured timely communication of safety-related information to employees, including updated policies, procedures, and regulatory changes.
  • Devised and monitored safety performance metrics to assess and improve safety performance.
  • Analyzed incident reports to identify trends and recommend preventive measures.
  • Lead in finding adequate medical facilities and develop working relationships with medical staff for post-incident treatment.

Safety Manager

3 Years 1 Month
Hensel Phelps Construction Company | 06.2022 - 07.2025

Orlando Int’l Airport - Terminal C, Phase 1X Expansion

$285 Million

Universal Studios – Epic Universe Theme Park, Orlando, FL

$250 Million

  • Developed trusted relationships with project teams, trade partners, and safety representatives.
  • Directed on-site safety for projects with 50-700 workers.
  • Ensured compliance with company, federal, state, local, and client safety regulations.
  • Conducted in-person orientations for up to 65 trade partner new hires and created presentation materials.
  • Participated in coordination meetings with trade partners to align safety strategies.
  • Mentored and led 20-40 safety representatives across subcontractor teams.
  • Provided strategic safety oversight across all assigned projects.
  • Generated and analyzed safety reports, identifying improvements to baseline metrics.
  • Create safety reports for the project, analyzing metrics and making recommendations for improvement over baseline.
  • Contributed to the continuous improvement of project safety programs.

Project Safety Assistant

3 Years 2 Months
Turner Construction Company | 04.2019 - 06.2022

Orlando International Airport Terminal C - Orlando, FL

$1.5 Billion

Blue Origin Rocket Launch Facility - Cape Canaveral, FL

$800 Million

James A. Haley VA Hospital Expansion - Tampa, FL

$150 Million

Lockheed Martin Continuous Services Contract - Orlando, FL

$20 Million

  • Fostered strong collaboration with project and subcontractor teams.
  • Oversaw safety for 100-1500 on-site workers.
  • Developed and presented in-person safety orientations to a group of up to 70 workers
  • Aided in development and implementation of comprehensive safety plans.
  • Held pre-construction planning meetings with subcontractors to review overall site safety programs and job hazard analysis for their scope of work. Ensured plans are in place to mitigate risks.
  • Ensured detailed pre-task planning and job hazard analysis execution.
  • Delivered ongoing safety leadership and support to all jobsite activities.
  • Created safety reports for the project, analyzing metrics and making recommendations for improvement over baseline.
  • Identified training needs and guided trade partners in targeted development.
  • Conducted safety audits to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with regulations.

Correctional Officer

11 Years 9 Months
Florida Dept Of Corrections | 01.2005 - 10.2016
  • Supervised inmate activities to ensure compliance with facility regulations and safety protocols.
  • Conducted routine inspections of facilities, identifying safety hazards and maintaining security standards.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to address inmates' medical needs and coordinate treatment plans.
  • Documented incidents and maintained accurate records for reporting and internal audits.
  • Implemented conflict resolution strategies to de-escalate tense situations among inmates effectively.
  • Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
  • Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
  • Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
  • Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
  • Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
  • Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
  • Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.

Police Officer

6 Years 2 Months
Hampton Police Department | 03.2008 - 05.2014
  • Law enforcement action, crime prevention, and public assistance work to protect all life and property involved
  • Effectively participated in court-related proceedings
  • Secured crash and crime scenes, conducted interviews, interrogations, and statement acquisitions as needed ensuring the accurate collection of this information.
  • Responded to high-risk situations with professionalism and integrity.
  • Conducted thorough investigations of criminal activities, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
  • Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
  • Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
  • Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Occupational Safety & Health

Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, Alabama | 01-2019

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Criminal Justice

Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, Alabama | 01-2013

Skills

CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
ASP (Associate Safety Professional)
CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician)
OSHA 500
OSHA 510
OSHA 30 Construction
OSHA 30 General Industry
Florida Qualified Stormwater
Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector
EM 385 Competent Person Fall Protection
National Safety Council CPR/First Aid/AED
Microsoft Office & Outlook

MILITARY

  • US Army Reserve 351st Military Police Company - Ocala, FL – 1997 – 2003
  • Active-duty Military Police Officer deployed to support Operation Joint Guard, Bosnia
  • Reserve Duty, Military Police, E-4 Specialist
  • Appointed by superiors to provide direct security during President Clinton’s visit
  • Awarded the Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon

Timeline

Area Safety Manager

Wharton-Smith, Inc.
09.2025 - CurrentRead More

Safety Manager

Hensel Phelps Construction Company
06.2022 - 07.2025Read More

Project Safety Assistant

Turner Construction Company
04.2019 - 06.2022Read More

Police Officer

Hampton Police Department
03.2008 - 05.2014Read More

Correctional Officer

Florida Dept Of Corrections
01.2005 - 10.2016Read More

Columbia Southern University

Associate of Science (A.S.) from Criminal Justice
Read More

Columbia Southern University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Occupational Safety & Health
Read More
Derek Wentworth