Health and Safety Officer

Role: Health and Safety Officer

Summary:

Conducts health and safety audits to assess compliance with regulations and standards. Provides expert advice, identifies risks, recommends improvements, and supports companies in creating safer workplace practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Compliance & Legal Requirements:

• Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Act 85 of 1993, and all applicable regulations
• Maintain and update the organization''s legal appointment register
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards
• Liaise with the Department of Employment and Labour inspectors during site visits
• Prepare and submit all mandatory reports (e.g., incident reports, annual health and safety reports)

Risk Management:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and safe work procedures
• Monitor hazardous operations and recommend control measures
• Maintain the organization''s risk register and ensure regular updates

Training & Awareness:

• Develop and deliver health and safety training programs for all staff levels
• Conduct induction training for new employees and contractors
• Facilitate toolbox talks and safety awareness campaigns
• Maintain training records and ensure competency compliance

Incident Management:

• Investigate all workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses
• Prepare detailed incident reports with root cause analysis
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
• Manage compensation claims and liaise with the Compensation Fund

Health & Safety Programs:

• Chair and coordinate Health and Safety Committee meetings
• Develop and implement emergency response and evacuation procedures
• Oversee medical surveillance and occupational health programs
• Manage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and compliance
• Coordinate fire safety systems, drills, and equipment maintenance

Documentation & Reporting:

• Develop, maintain, and update health and safety policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate health and safety records and documentation
• Prepare monthly reports for management on safety performance and KPIs
• Ensure proper filing of Safety Files and documentation for contractor management

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Essential:
• National Diploma or Bachelor''s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, Environmental Health, or related field, NQF level 5 or higher
• SAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Certificate) or equivalent
• SAIOSH Registration as OHS Practitioner or Certified Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner (COSHP)
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Certification
• Valid First Aid Level 2 or 3 Certificate
• Advantegeous:
• NEBOSCH International General Certificate or equivalent International Certification
• Certificate in Incident Investigation
• Certificate in Fire Safety Training, Electrical Safety, Machinery Guarding

Registration & Licensing:

• Registration with SACPCMP (South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions) or SAIOH (Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene) is required
• Valid Code 08 (EB) driver''s license

Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years'' proven experience as a Health and Safety Officer or similar role
• Demonstrated experience in health and safety audits and inspections
• Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations (construction, manufacturing, etc.)

Knowledge & Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of South African occupational health and safety legislation (OHSA and all applicable regulations)
• Understanding of ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies (HIRA, JSA, Bowties)
• Strong knowledge of emergency response procedures and protocols
• Familiarity with chemical safety and hazardous material handling

Technical Competencies:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with health and safety management software
• Report writing and data analysis skills
• Ability to conduct safety training and presentations

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English; Afrikaans and/or additional SA language advantageous
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Assertive with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct
• Problem-solving mindset with proactive approach
• Ability to influence and drive behavioural change

Key Performance Indicators:

• Zero fatalities and reduction in Lost Time Injuries (LTI)
• Compliance audit scores (minimum 85%)
• Timely completion of incident investigations (within 48 hours)
• Training completion rates (100% induction training)
• Health and Safety Committee meeting frequency (monthly minimum)
• Reduction in unsafe acts and conditions