Benjamin Watson ABCP, CSP

Experience

• 

  Aldridge Electric

  May 2008 - Aug 2008

  Safety Intern

  Was given the opportunity to support eight safety engineers' techniques and expertise to establish a safety culture at their worksitesReviewed and Revised Company Safety ProgramsPerformed Safety Audits with Safety Checklists and Observation Created and Presented Toolbox Talks and Safety Presentations Performed Accident Investigations and Trend Analyses

• 

  Metra

  Jun 2009 - Mar 2012

  • Conducts Safety Audits at Various Locations • Implementing, Monitoring, and Enforcing of Safety Procedures through OSHA, FRA, and Metra Rules and Regulations• Investigates Employee Injuries, Grade Crossing/Trespasser Incidents, and Derailments While on Call 24/7• Attends Monthly Safety Meetings with Various Departments to Address and Resolve Safety Concerns• Ensure Compliance in Reporting Requirements as Provided for in 49 CFR Part 225• Conducts Efficiency Testing to Employees Under GCOR, Roadway Worker, and Blue Flag Protection Show less Producing forms and procedures to create and maintain databases for the accurate reporting, investigating, and monitoring of railroad injuries and incidents.• Conducted Safety Audits at Various Locations • Creation and Monitoring of Safety Procedures, Forms, and Safety/Control Plans• Liaison with Multiple Departments to Accurately Maintain Essential Safety Data• Created and Maintained Databases to Monitor, Investigate, and Report Injuries and Incidents to Multiple Government Agencies • Collaborated with Industrial Hygiene Department in Various Programs and Tasks Show less

  • Safety Officer - MED/CCF/Corporate

    Dec 2010 - Mar 2012

  • Safety Associate

    Jun 2009 - Mar 2011
• 

  NiSource

  Mar 2012 - now

  Managing a team of Safety Specialists that create, review, and update safety programs for all NiSource companies.• Ownership and development of NiSource’s root cause analysis program• Development of NiSource’s corporate safety programs across all seven operating states;including Human Error Systems, Just Culture, Performance Management, SafetyManagement Systems, & Business Support processes• Provide senior leadership all safety materials for quarterly NiSource Board of Director(BOD) meetings; direct support of executive safety leadership on all BOD prep• Ensure compliance and regulatory commitments are met at corporate level• Responsible for review & oversight of worker’s compensation claims & OSHAclassification of claims • Represent NiSource on external health and safety committees including the American Gas Association (AGA)• Assessment & benchmarking of health & safety programs, results, & metrics• On budget performance for department at all times Show less Managed HSE Coordinators supporting NIPSCO and Major Projects/Construction Services Safety Programs throughout Indiana.• Recommended improvements in processes, design, procedures, and operating equipment to minimize the hazard potential or environmental impact• Ensured compliance with all OSHA, EPA, DOT, and company policy/procedure requirements• Coordinated the work of outside HSE contractors• Identified gaps in training, procedures, standards, and processes and developed action plans for continuous improvement relative to risk management, safety culture, and performance improvement• Initiated continuous improvement initiatives and lead cross functional teams in implementing improvements• Investigated collisions, injuries, complaints, and lead and participate in root cause investigations• Responsible for work planning and resource allocation of assigned employees• Involved with Gas Systems Emergency Drills and after action reviews• Determined the compliance risk assessment measures for NIPSCO employee safety• Directed and participated in development/revision of new or existing policies/standards• Represented NiSource as subject matter expert with regulatory agencies• Developed and/or oversaw the development of site specific safety plans, local and state safety committees, investigations and remediation work plans• Supervised activities of HSE Coordinators including field/driving observations of work crews• Represented NiSource on external health and safety committees including the American Gas Association (AGA)• Prepared and assessed correspondence and reports of incident/crash/leading indicator data and statistics • Remained current with technology, regulatory requirements, and related training• Presented presentations to internal and external groups Show less Lead a team of HSE (Health, Safety & Environmental) professionals that support NiSource Gas Distribution's Field Operations programs. Coordinates and determines resource allocations. Provides leadership in program direction and development. Programs involve all aspects of the management system including, auditing, permitting, program development, safety consulting, waste management and remediation. Provides professional expertise for the solution of health, safety and environmental challenges. Provides oversight and facilitation of safety meetings, staff meetings and support operation functions. Takes actions to ensure employees and staff are properly prepared to work safely, effectively and in compliance with all Regulatory requirements. Implements, coordinates, supports, and oversees the health, safety and environmental (HSE) programs within the Natural Gas Distribution Operations Segment with a specific focus on Field operations and office support activities. Responsible for interpreting, developing, and implementing policies, plans, and procedures dealing with a wide variety of health, safety and environmental issues. Issues are routinely related to Federal, State or local regulations. Also involves providing sound HSE consultation to the field operations leadership, business partners, office personnel and employees. Show less Supported Transmission, Distribution and Combination Gas and Electric Utilities in Health, Safety, and Environmental projects, programs, and initiatives. • Enhanced Partnership with Business Unit Leaders, and Health and Safety Professionals to Drive Improved Safety Performance • Managed NiSource-wide Projects and Programs with Cross Business Unit Teams• Enhanced Health and Safety Training including Creation and Evaluation• Provided Compliance Assistance and Accident Investigation Oversight• Prepared Health and Safety Reports, Control Charts, and Benchmarking Data• Provided Health and Safety Services to Corporate Employees• Monitored, Analyzed and Advocated on Changes to Federal Health and Safety Laws, and Regulations• Represented NiSource on Multiple External Health and Safety Committees (AGA & EEI) Show less

  • Director Business Continuity

    Dec 2024 - now

  • Manager of Safety Advancement

    Feb 2021 - Dec 2024

  • Manager of Safety

    Feb 2016 - Feb 2021

  • NGD HSE Team Leader

    Nov 2014 - Feb 2016

  • EHS Coordinator

    Mar 2012 - Nov 2014