Site supervisor

The role of a site supervisor generally involves the management and supervision of a construction site in accordance with health and safety guidelines. It is the responsibility of the site supervisor to assess hazards, determine risks, conduct regular inspections, and maintain a safety programme.

The site supervisor will typically work closely with the site foreman, who is responsible for organising construction works on site, and report to the project manager.

Site supervisors should have relevant experience in construction or civil engineering, as well as appropriate health and safety training.

The responsibilities of a site supervisor may include:

Supervising workers, subcontractors and work activities.
Preparing and presenting site inductions, safety briefings and toolbox talks.
Assessing and managing safety hazards.
Ensuring appropriate site rules and welfare facilities are in place.
Carrying out regular inspections.
Helping project managers to plan the work programme.
Helping co-ordinate deliveries of materials, plant and equipment.
Completing records for site reports.
Attending site management meetings.
Carrying out regular inspections to ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements, processes and procedures.
Raising safety concerns at the appropriate level.
Resolving problems and implementing improvements.
Organising and overseeing external inspections, such as with a health and safety inspector.
Providing emergency first aid if required.

Relevant skills of a site supervisor include:

A positive attitude.
The ability to communicate with, motivate, and if necessary discipline the workforce.
The ability to understand drawings and other contract documents.
A good understanding of safety procedures.
First aid training.
Organisational skills.
The ability to mediate to resolve issues.
An understanding of legal responsibilities.
An understanding of welfare and environmental issues.
An understanding of occupational health and behavioural safety issues.