Adam Birchfield Jr.
CSP, CHST, PCSOH
Cell: 812-493-7872
Email: adamb@aasafeconsult.com
Summary of Safety & Health Expertise
Seasoned Safety and Health Professional with extensive experience managing complex safety operations across diverse industries, including construction, general industry, chemical plants, military, and federal projects. Career includes roles as a Safety Specialist with the US Army Corps of Engineers, managing safety program elements, conducting hazard assessments, and providing critical training. Contributions include the EM385.1.1 update for the Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters. Prior safety career involved over 10 years as an Emergency Medical Technician in Indiana.
Qualifications
- In-Depth Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA regulations, standards, and policies, gained through practical experience and continuous professional development.
- Versatility: Background encompasses diverse safety areas including fall protection, scaffolding, crane safety, excavation, accident investigation, and more.
- Proven Record: Served as an expert witness for significant legal cases, including a federal case involving personal injuries and a state court case related to a construction accident, both settled out of court.
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University, plus certifications including Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technologist (CHST), and Professional Certificate in Safety & Occupational Health (US ARMY).
- Military Foundation: Prior service in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and Fleet Marine Force Corpsman instilled discipline and a unique perspective on emergency management.
Areas of Concentration
Expertise covers numerous safety and health areas, including fall prevention, safety training, trenching and excavation, crane operations, and compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards. Proficient in addressing multi-employer worksites and general contractor/controlling employer safety responsibilities.
- Fall protection, fall prevention, and personal fall arrest systems.
- Scaffolds, platforms, ladders, aerial boom lifts, scissor lifts, MEWPs, working at heights.
- Safety training effectiveness, failure to train, inadequate training.
- OSHA Excavation, Trenching, and Soil Mechanics.
- Crane Safety, Critical Pick Planning, & Rigging.
- EM-385-1.1 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Accident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis.
- Steel Erection.
- Tunnel Safety.
- Slips, Trips, Falls.
- OSHA and ANSI standards and policies.
- Multi-employer worksites.
- General Contractor/Controlling Employer safety responsibilities.
Employment History
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Safety Specialist | June 2023 – Present
- Manage safety and occupational health program elements.
- Analyze and evaluate new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards.
- Train workers, supervisors, managers, and other personnel in safety or occupational health subjects.
- Design or modify workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards.
- Fall Protection Instructor for USACE High Hazard Work Group.
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Safety Specialist | January 2023 – June 2023
- Selected for a 120-day Army Corps of Engineers HQ assignment.
- Assisted in completing the new EM385.1.1 update, reviewing chapters related to construction.
- Updated figures using AutoCAD and created new forms and tables for the EM 385.
- Attended meetings with senior stakeholders at the Pentagon and USACE HQ regarding Occupational Safety & Health changes.
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Safety Specialist | January 2003 – 2022
- Manage safety and occupational health program elements.
- Analyze and evaluate new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards.
- Train workers, supervisors, managers, and other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects.
- Design or modify workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards.
SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION
Contract Safety Manager | 2021 – January 2022
- Provided safety representation on a large heavy highway project.
- Oversaw and mentored a staff of three safety professionals.
- Trained new employees on-site orientation, fall protection, and other safety needs.
- Conducted daily safety observations and meetings with stakeholders.
KELLY SERVICES/DOW CHEMICAL
Contract Safety Manager/Owner Representative | July 2019 – June 2021
- Oversaw safety logistics within a large chemical plant, focusing on planning and executing safety programs and outlining employee safety performance metrics.
- Provided coaching and guidance on safety standards, laws, corporate guidelines, and industry developments.
- Oversaw multiple subcontractors' safety programs.
- Conducted daily audits and inspections to ensure subcontractor adherence to contract specifications, Dow Chemicals Safety Plan, and OSHA regulations.
SAFETY MANAGEMENT GROUP/CUMMINS INC.
Contract Safety Manager | March 2019 – July 2019
- Provided safety support for a large building remodel project.
- Authored job safety analysis for lifting a full-size truck into the air.
- Completed daily audits of tasks and employee behaviors.
- Mentored subordinate sub-contractor safety professionals.
APTIM/CHEMOURS CHEMICAL/FEMA
Contract Safety Manager | July 2017 – February 2019
- Provided operational and safety-focused support to contractors on a roof replacement project in the US Virgin Islands.
- Oversaw safety for a maintenance crew in a large chemical facility.
- Evaluated and planned safety for assigned project scopes.
AECOM ENERGY & CONSTRUCTION/GM CONSTRUCTION
Contract Sr. Safety Manager/Owner Representative | September 2015 – July 2017
- Supported safety operations at GM Powertrain Headquarters and Pontiac Stamping Plant, including monitoring projects and providing safety recommendations.
- Assessed internal safety risks, reviewed pre-bid documentation, participated in pre-project meetings, and supervised a team of 5 safety professionals.
DB ENGINEERING/ CITIZENS ENERGY
Contract Sr. Safety Manager/Owner Representative | October 2014 – September 2015
- Served as Technical Safety Resources for Deep Rock Tunnel Connector and DRTC Pump Station Project, identifying risks and creating corrective actions.
- Audited safety/fire safety programs.
- Devised emergency action plans and tunnel boring machine inspection schedules, and created SOPs for safety programs.
WALSH CONSTRUCTION
Safety Manager | January 2011 – October 2014
- Facilitated safety operations for a large project, including job hazard analysis, supervising interns, and creating fall protection plans.
- Evaluated blasting plans and coached others on safety operations for bridge and tunnel projects.
URS/ GENERAL MOTORS
Contract Safety Manager/Owner Representative | June 2010 – January 2011
- Led safety functions within a casting plant, evaluating prime and sub-contractor safety plans, pre-task plans, and program adherence.
- Reviewed demolition safety planning, completed internal safety audits, and evaluated pre-task plans.
TAGGART GLOBAL
Safety Manager | July 2008 – January 2010
- Coordinated safety standards and programs, identifying cost-savings, creating staff initiatives, and monitoring workers' compensation claims.
- Provided safety training and orientation, worked with community agencies, and evaluated safety plans.
- Designed and implemented safety plans, including emergency action plans and confined space training.
URS/GENERAL MOTORS
Construction Project Engineer/Owner Representative | July 2007 – July 2008
- Facilitated construction tasks in a die-casting plant, monitoring safety for projects completed by a crew of 43.
- Served as Document manager for AutoCAD and Raster drawings, overseeing document control for plant LOTO program drawings.
Military Service
United States Navy
- Hospital Corps School, Great Lakes Illinois.
- Hospital Corpsman, Emergency Room Naval Hospital, Pensacola, Florida.
- Field Medical Service School, Camp Johnson, North Carolina.
- Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, 8th Engineers, 2nd Fleet Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Education
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science, Occupational Safety & Health | Orange Beach, AL
IVY TECH STATE COLLEGE
Certificates: EMT, Advanced EMT | Madison, Indiana
Certifications & Training
Board of Certified Safety Professionals
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), #CSP-31937 | Awarded 10/15/2016
- Associate Safety Professional, #ASP-23703 | Awarded 5/18/2015
- Construction Health & Safety Technologist, C3243 | Awarded 02/05/2013
United States Army
- Professional Certificate in Safety & Health, 2023-003 | Awarded 01/10/2023
- Certificate in Safety Investigation Board Training | 03/7-9/2023
- Certificate of Completion in Weapons Safety | 02/20/2022
- Certificate of Completion in Safe Range Operations | 02/19/2022
- Certificate of Training Range Safety Course | 02/20/2022
- Certificate of Completion Risk Management Civilian Basic Course | 11/25/2022
- Intro to Explosive Safety Management for Safety Professionals | 1/17/2024
United States Army Corps of Engineers
- Certificate in Construction Quality Management for Contractors | 08/28-29/2023
- Crane Safety Training Course | 04/18-22/2022
- 24-Hour Fall Protection Competent Person Training | 9/22-24/2023
- Designation of Load Handling Equipment (LHE) Expert for Louisville District, VA Division | 06/16/2022
- Designated as Fall Protection Competent Person Instructor for USACE Fall Protection High Hazard Work Group.
National Association of Safety Professionals
- Fall Protection and Elevated Structures Safety Technician | 01/03/2013
Ivy Tech State College
- Advanced Emergency Technician | 7/21/1994
OSHA Training Institute, Heartland Center
- OSHA 500, Trainer Course in OSHA Construction Standards | 10/28/2011
- OSHA 500, Trainer Course in OSHA Construction Standards | 03/13/2008
State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
- Storm Water Management Operator
Rigging Institute
- Qualified Rigging Inspector | 08/22-23/2011
- Competent Level 2 Rigger | 08/24-25/2011
OSHA Training Institute, Rocky Mountain Education Center
- OSHA 501, Trainer Course in Occupational Safety & Health Standards for General Industry
Kentucky Office of Occupational Safety and Health
- Powered Industrial Trucks | 12/28/2017
- Lead Awareness | 12/28/2017
Grand Valley State University
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Course | 11/29/2008
The Walsh Group Department of Career Development
- Trench Safety Solutions | 09/19/2011
- Mobile Crane Inspection | 08/16/2011
- Confined Space Awareness | 09/10/2013
- OSHA 30 Hour for Construction | 01/17/2013
- Crane Assembly/Disassembly Director | 05/05/2012
- Steel Erection - Special Fall Hazard Training for Connectors | 11/14/2012
- OSHA 30 Hour for Construction | 01/31/2011
- Crane Hand Signals and Rigging Awareness Training | 02/08/2011
- Fall Protection - Competent Person | 11/12/2012
- Steel Erection - Multiple Lift Rigging Procedures | 11/14/2012
- Crane Safety Awareness Class | 02/14/2013
American Traffic Safety Services Association
- Certified Flagger Instructor | 08/13/2021
Taggart Global
- NFPA 70 E Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace | 08/04/2009
Columbia Southern University
- Certified Industrial Hygiene Manager #102195 | 01/05/2005
Garcia Construction
- 40 Hour Hazwoper | 11/01/2010
American Society for Health Care Engineers
- Health Care Construction Workshop | 9/26-27/2022
OSHA Education Center at the University of Texas at Arlington
- OSHA 510, OS&H Standards for Construction | 08/03/2023
- Safety & Health Program Management | 04/13/2023
Red Vector Training
- OSHA Safety: Stairways and Ladders
- Incident Reporting and Investigation
- Asbestos Awareness in General Industry
- Basic Electrical Safety
AECOM University
- Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness | 11/15/2015
Derby City Safety
- OSHA Lead in Construction Trainer | 05/02/2018
- OSHA Lead in Construction | 05/01/2018
United Rentals
- 6-Hour Trench and Excavation Safety | 08/20/2014
Department of Labor Mine Safety & Health Administration
- Health and Activity Certification, Surface Certified | 10/02/2009
OSHA
- OSHA 30 Hour for Construction | 11/09/2008
- Fall Protection Competent Person Refresher | 2023
- National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction | 2023
OSH Academy
- 40-Hour EM385-1.1 Construction Safety Hazard Awareness | 01/01/2022
- 7-Hour Confined Space Program, #132992 | 08/25/2013
- 5-Hour Confined Space Safety in Construction, #132992 | 04/27/2021
- 5-Hour Trench and Excavation Safety, #132992 | 08/25/2013
- 8-Hour Fall Protection in Construction, #132992 | 10/23/2014
- 7-Hour Fall Protection Program, #132992 | 02/18/2012
- 5-Hour Safe Scaffold Erection and Inspection, #132992 | 03/05/2021
- 6-Hour Introduction to OSH Training, #132992 | 08/26/2013
- 4-Hour OSH Training Development, #132992 | 02/19/2012
Udemy
- OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching, Excavation & Soil Mechanics | 12/8/2023
Vanderbilt University
- Certificate in Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
