Kelly F. Schmidt
Round Rock
Summary
Proactive and results-driven Safety Manager with over a decade of experience in construction safety management. Demonstrated ability to lead safety programs that improve compliance, reduce incident rates, and foster a strong safety culture. Expert in OSHA regulations, risk assessments, safety audits, and training. Proven track record of maintaining low EMR ratings and OSHA citations. Strong communicator with a passion for ensuring safe working environment for all personnel.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Safety Manager
Joe Bland Construction
Austin, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Serve as the lead safety representative overseeing all compliance, inspections, and reporting for a large-scale airfield reconstruction project.
- Conduct daily jobsite inspections across multiple crews, identifying hazards related to excavation, heavy equipment operations, and confined work areas.
- Enforce OSHA regulations and project-specific safety requirements, ensuring full compliance with 29 CFR 1926 standards.
- Lead daily safety meetings, stretch-and-flex programs, and routine toolbox talks to reinforce hazard awareness and safe work practices.
- Perform incident investigations, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Coordinate with Austin Bridge & Road (ABR) safety team to maintain alignment with CMAR Safety expectations and zero-tolerance policies.
- Monitor excavation and trenching activities, ensuring proper sloping, benching, and protective systems are implemented to prevent cave-ins and equipment instability.
- Oversee daily equipment inspections and operator compliance, verifying documentation and safe operation of heavy machinery.
- Maintain and submit daily reports, audits, and required documentation to both internal leadership and project stakeholders.
- Conduct job hazards analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments for critical operations, including excavations, utility installation, and equipment movement.
- Enforce site-specific safety policies, including strict adherence to PPE requirements and prohibited items (e.g., earbuds in active work zones).
- Collaborate with subcontractors and project managers to proactively address safety concerns and stop work when imminent hazards are identified.
- Manage emergency response preparedness, including first aid coordination, incident response, and communication with onsite personnel.
- Perform monthly inspections of fire extinguishers, equipment, and site safety resources to ensure readiness and compliance.
- South Terminal Reconstruction
Safety Manager
Joe Bland Construction
Georgetown, TX
01.2025 - Current
- Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety regulations, including OSHA standards, as well as company-specific safety policies and procedures.
- Risk assessment: Conduct regular site inspections and risk assessments to identify potential hazards, unsafe practices, and areas for improvements.
- Safety Training: Assist in developing and delivering safety training program, toolbox talks, and workshops for employees, subcontractors, and visitors to enhance safety awareness and knowledge.
- Incident Investigation: Lead and coordinate incident investigations, including near-misses and accidents, to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Safety Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date safety records, including incident reports, safety training documentation, and safety data sheets.
- Emergency preparedness: Develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures, ensuring that all personnel are aware of the protocols in case of emergencies.
- Safety Meetings: Organize and lead regular safety meetings with project teams and management to discuss safety performance, challenges, and improvements.
- Safety Culture: Promote a positive safety culture across all levels of the organization, encouraging active participation in safety initiatives and recognizing individuals for their safety efforts.
- Safety inspections: Collaborate with project managers to conduct safety inspections, review safety permits, and ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Safety Reporting: Prepare and submit safety reports to management, highlighting key safety metrics, trends, and areas for improvement.
- Georgetown, TX: Texas-based heavy civil construction contractor specializing in large-scale infrastructure and site development projects.
Safety Coordinator
Embree Construction Group, Inc.
Georgetown, TX
01.2016 - 01.2025
- Reduces EMR by 23.8% from 1.01 in 2016 to 0.77 in 2024, maintaining a rate below 1.0 for seven straight years.
- Lead regular on-site safety inspections and ensure hazard mitigation across job sites.
- Manage OSHA recordkeeping, compliance, and injury reporting.
- Conduct new hire orientations and develop ongoing safety training programs.
- Oversee Safety Manual revisions and ensure SDS availability for all locations.
- Conduct thorough investigations of all incidents and implement corrective actions.
- Perform comprehensive risk assessments and job hazard analysis across projects.
- Report subcontractor accidents/incidents to Embree’s insurance provider.
- Georgetown, TX: Nationwide general contractor specializing in design/build, construction management, and program roll-out for retail, medical, automotive, and restaurant clients.
Safety Specialist
The Walsh Group, Ltd
Louisville, KY
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Performed jobsite safety assessments and recommended corrective action.
- Investigated incidents and generated detailed reports for upper management.
- Administered pre-employment and post incident drug testing programs.
- Louisville, KY: Nationwide construction and infrastructure contractor specializing in large-scale buildings and heavy civil projects.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01-2015
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN01-2006
Skills
- OSHA Compliance & Recordkeeping
- Competent person in all areas of safety
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
- Risk Mitigation & Site Inspections
- EMR & Injury Reductions Programs
- Emergency Response & Accident Investigation
- Safety Manual & SDS Management
Accomplishments
- Affinity Insurance Gold Risk Award – 2024
- Affinity Insurance Silver Risk Award – 2022 & 2023
- Maintained 7+ years with zero OSHA Citations
- Achieved company’s lowest EMR to date: .77 – 2025
Affiliations
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
Certification
- Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) – 2018
- Permit-Required Confined Space Spaces for Construction – 2025
- OSHA 40 HAZWOPER – 2024
- OSHA 30 Construction Industry – 2021
- OSHA 30 General Industry – 2018
- Texas Certified Food Manager – 2023
- First Aid/CPR/AED – 2025
- Aerial Boom Lift and Scissor Lift Operator – 2017
- Dale Carnegie: Effective Communications and Human Relations – 2016
- Counterbalance and Rough Terrain Forklift Operator – 2016
- Scaffold Training (Train the Trainer) – 2016
Timeline
Safety Manager
Joe Bland Construction
08.2025 - Current
Safety Manager
Joe Bland Construction
01.2025 - Current
Safety Coordinator
Embree Construction Group, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2025
Safety Specialist
The Walsh Group, Ltd
01.2014 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Indiana State University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Safety and Health
Columbia Southern University