Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Trainingandeducation
Timeline
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Sean Nicholson

Fond du Lac

Summary

Sean Nicholson is the Vice President of HSEQ for Michels Corporation, a multi-faceted construction company headquartered in Brownsville, Wisconsin.

Sean is a results-driven and forward-thinking talented Vice President with over 24 years of professional experience at a senior/executive level managing health, safety, risk, quality, compliance, and training programs in a variety of industries, but especially in the oil and gas industry. His experience and expertise allows him to effectively lead and manage the HSEQ/DOT teams at Michels Corporation, which was named one of the largest privately held companies in Wisconsin, placing 14th on the 2022 Deloitte Wisconsin 75 list. Michels is also ranked #27 on the ENR’s (Engineering News Record) 2022 Top 400 Contractors List.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President of HSEQ

Michels Corporation
04.2017 - Current
  • Responsible for developing and implementing a robust global Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) strategy, and providing direction and guidance to the entire family of companies from a global perspective in the strategy’s deployment across the organization
  • Serves as the “tip of the spear” for Michels Family of Companies (~ $4.5B annually) from a governance perspective for HSEQ and DOT transportation compliance
  • Implemented HSE and risk management strategies that result in EMR less than .60 and TRIR of less than .75 where the companies perform 18.5+ Million hours of work annually
  • Responsible for working within corporate strategies and policy frameworks to design, implement and direct programs, guidelines, procedures and corrective action plans
  • Manages and develops a team of over 170 HSE professionals and provides personal leadership/mentoring
  • Leads by example for all environmental, health, and safe work practices and procedures
  • Responsible for developing budget and business plan for HSEQ support of Michels operating companies that aligns with their 3 year plans and forecasts
  • Maintains and promotes a highly effective and influential safety culture for all employees, vendors, and customers
  • Regularly engages with Executive Management team, peers, subordinates, and client personnel, overseeing the deployment of project site HSE plans and alliance with corporate core values, requirements and initiatives
  • Implemented Human Performance Improvement (“HPI”) behavioral safety program across the family of companies
  • Developed and implemented a formal subcontractor/supplier prequalification program that ensures safety of subcontractors, proof of due diligence and protection of mother ship from claims/damages
  • Fosters an environment for safe and profitable operations through planning and oversight of regional operations
  • Developed, implemented and leads the strategy to meet the needs of the organization (and customers) from a Sustainability and ESG perspective
  • Oversees Drug & Alcohol testing and Transportation Safety Resources, including the management of and adherence to DOT/FMCSA regulations and driver safety programs
  • Designs, approves, and executes the global long term HSEQ strategy, which aligns with business goals and the safety culture for the Michels family of companies
  • Collaborates closely with VP of Risk Management to monitor trends, identify potential areas of opportunity and mitigate claims and litigation.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.

Director of Health and Safety

Michels Corporation
06.2007 - 04.2017
  • Assigned the responsibility of developing, implementing and maintaining the health, safety and environmental program for Michels Pipeline Construction, Michels Directional Crossing divisions of Michels Corporation and Michels Canada
  • Advise executive management pertaining to matters of safety and health, and monitor day-to-day operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and the company's health and safety policies and procedures
  • Primary responsibilities include: Develop and maintain HS&E practices, procedures and training programs that reinforce safe behaviors and conditions, Serve as a technical resource and consultant on safety, industrial hygiene, fire protection, ergonomics and environmental issues, Manage and ensure compliance with Operator Qualification (OQ) Program requirements for the pipeline industry, Provide executive management with support in regards HS&E regulatory compliance issues involving OSHA, MSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

Corporate Director of HSE/Risk Management

Quanta Services (Mears Group, Inc.)
01.2000 - 01.2007
  • Responsible for all facets of HSE initiatives, compliance and training on an international level (USA, Canada, Mexico)
  • Acquired the Certificate of Recognition (COR) from the Alberta Construction Safety Association for Mears Canada Corporation
  • Compiled and reviewed incident/injury data to determine trends and develop corrective/mitigation actions and/or programs to prevent recurrence and improve performance
  • Director of DOT Operator Qualification (OQ) Program for the pipeline industry
  • Director of the DOT Fleet Safety Compliance program
  • Managed and directed all aspects of litigation issues and legal proceedings
  • Conducted investigations on suspected workers’ compensation and property damage fraud cases
  • Provide advice and support in all HSE matters, including HSE policy, processes, and standards
  • Mediated and negotiated citations/claims with regulatory agencies
  • Successfully integrated HSE program into business plans and procedures
  • Developed and audited HSE programs and policies to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies governing the energy industry (OSHA, RSPA, EPA, FMCSA)
  • Developed, implemented and maintained a comprehensive system for auditing construction operations and services, and subcontractor performance and compliance
  • Managed a professional and administrative support staff (HSE/RISK) and provide direction in regards to carrying out the mandates of the HS&E program
  • Proven track record of excellent planning and operational support to line leadership and field locations consistent with required project schedules, operational deadlines, and regulatory and stakeholder requirements.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Sociology - Honors

Trent University
Peterborough, ON
1997

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Relationship Building
  • Decision-Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Strategic Planning
  • Results-Driven
  • Risk Management
  • Negotiation and Persuasion
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Corporate Communications
  • Industry Best Practices
  • Policy and procedure development
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Performance Improvement

Personal Information

Title: Vice President of HSEQ

Trainingandeducation

  • Certified HSE Auditor with the Albert Construction Safety Association
  • Completed “Auditor Certification Training Program” with NCCER
  • OSHA 500 and 510
  • Certificate in Health, Safety & Environmental Law from the Institute of Applied Management and Law (IAML)
  • Advanced Certificate in Health, Safety & Environmental Law from the Institute of Applied Management and Law (IAML)
  • Master Trainer–NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research)
  • TapRooT Investigations
  • Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People seminar
  • Certified Defensive Driving Instructor with National Safety Council
  • Certified Instructor Speed Shore (Competent Person, Trenching and Excavation)
  • 1997 B.A., (Honors) Trent University

Timeline

Vice President of HSEQ

Michels Corporation
04.2017 - Current

Director of Health and Safety

Michels Corporation
06.2007 - 04.2017

Corporate Director of HSE/Risk Management

Quanta Services (Mears Group, Inc.)
01.2000 - 01.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Sociology - Honors

Trent University

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