Safety Officer (Building Construction) Cape Town, Western Cape

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain the company Health and Safety Management System (HSMS).
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and Construction Regulations 2014.
• Monitor compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and client-specific safety requirements.
• Maintain legal compliance registers and site safety files.
• Ensure all mandatory appointments are in place and up to date.
• Conduct routine site inspections to identify unsafe conditions and behaviours.
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented and monitored.

• Conduct daily site safety inspections.
• Monitor work activities to ensure safe work practices are followed.
• Ensure the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Verify that all plant, machinery, tools, and equipment are safe and compliant.
• Ensure work areas remain clean, organised, and free of hazards.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance with company safety standards.

• Conduct baseline, issue-based, and continuous risk assessments.
• Develop and review task-specific risk assessments.
• Assist supervisors in implementing control measures.
• Monitor the effectiveness of risk controls.
• Identify high-risk activities and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Investigate incidents, accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences.
• Prepare detailed investigation reports.
• Implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Maintain incident registers and records.
• Liaise with management regarding incident investigations.
• Ensure incidents are reported within legislative timeframes.

• Conduct site safety inductions for employees, subcontractors, and visitors.
• Deliver toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Promote safety awareness campaigns.
• Assist with emergency preparedness training.
• Ensure employees understand safe work procedures.
• Maintain training records and competency registers.

• Compile and maintain comprehensive site safety files.
• Ensure all statutory documentation is current and available.
• Maintain registers for inspections, incidents, training, PPE, plant, and equipment.
• Prepare weekly and monthly SHE reports.
• Assist with client safety audits and compliance reporting.

• Conduct internal safety audits.
• Participate in external client and Department of Employment and Labour inspections.
• Monitor audit findings and close out non-conformances.
• Prepare action plans following inspections.
• Ensure continuous improvement of safety systems.

• Assist in developing emergency response plans.
• Coordinate emergency drills.
• Ensure emergency equipment is inspected and maintained.
• Verify evacuation procedures are understood by all personnel.
• Support first aid and firefighting readiness.

• Monitor environmental compliance on site.
• Promote waste management and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure hazardous substances are correctly stored and handled.
• Assist in implementing environmental management plans where required.

• Work closely with Project Managers, Site Agents, Contracts Managers, Supervisors, subcontractors, and clients.
• Attend site progress and safety meetings.
• Liaise with client safety representatives.
• Provide professional safety advice to site management.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma or Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, Environmental Health, or a related field.
• Valid SACPCMP registration as a Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO) is essential.
• SAMTRAC qualification is essential.
• Incident Investigation Level 3 or equivalent.
• Risk Assessment Training.
• First Aid Level 2 or higher.
• Fire Fighting Training.
• Fall Protection Planner / Inspector training will be advantageous.

• Minimum 35 years' experience as a Safety Officer within the building construction industry.
• Proven experience on commercial, residential, industrial, retail, healthcare, education, or mixed-use construction projects.
• Experience working with principal contractors is essential.
• Strong understanding of construction site hazards and controls.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993).
• Thorough understanding of the Construction Regulations 2014.
• Strong knowledge of hazard identification and risk assessment techniques.
• Experience compiling and maintaining construction safety files.
• Ability to conduct incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.

• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong leadership and influencing abilities.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships across all levels.
• Commitment to promoting a proactive safety culture.

• Compliance with OHS legislation and Construction Regulations.
• Number of lost-time injuries (LTIs).
• Reduction in incidents and near misses.
• Completion of planned safety inspections and audits.
• Timely close-out of corrective actions.
• Safety file compliance.
• Toolbox talks and safety training completed.
• Client audit performance.
• Subcontractor safety compliance.
• Site housekeeping and environmental compliance.

Preferred Experience

Preference will be given to candidates with experience on:

• Commercial office developments.
• Shopping centres and retail projects.
• Residential developments.
• Industrial and warehouse facilities.
• Hospitals and healthcare projects.
• Schools and educational facilities.
• High-rise buildings.
• Mixed-use developments.
• Large-scale public sector projects.

• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.
• Willingness to travel to construction sites throughout Cape Town and the Western Cape.
• Medically fit to work on active construction sites.
• Ability to work extended hours when project demands require.

Salary

Market-related and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Provident Fund.
• Medical Aid, where applicable.
• Annual Leave.
• Company laptop and mobile phone, where applicable.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Opportunity to work on prestigious building construction projects across Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Why Join Us?

Join a respected building construction company delivering high-quality projects across Cape Town and the Western Cape. As a Safety Officer, you will play a vital role in protecting the health and wellbeing of employees, subcontractors, and visitors while ensuring projects are delivered in full compliance with South African health and safety legislation.