Health & Safety Specialist

Hafeet Rail; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Health & Safety Specialist to uphold HSEQ standards within their operations. This role is crucial in developing and implementing effective safety management systems, ensuring compliance with international standards, and fostering a culture of safety across the organization. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in HSEQ roles, particularly in railway construction, and possess strong communication skills to mentor and guide teams in risk management. Join this forward-thinking company and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment in challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in HSEQ roles within railway construction.
• NEBOSH certification is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain HSEQ management systems in compliance with ISO standards.
• Conduct periodic site inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

HSEQ Management

Risk Assessment

Incident Investigation

Safety Audits

Communication Skills

Education

NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Risk Management Qualification

ISO Internal Auditor Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Purpose

The Health & Safety Specialist is responsible for providing, maintaining, implementing, and complying with HSEQ standards and international best practices within the organization. Ensuring all workplace activities and systems are effectively managed to keep operational safety risks as low as reasonably practicable. Mentoring line managers and supervisors to promote an organizational safety culture that prioritizes safety in all activities.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Develop and maintain the HSEQ management system and ensure full implementation in accordance with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, or ISO 9001, and other relevant standards to meet business needs.
2. Support the production and maintenance of the operations safety case and safety permit, ensuring compliance.
3. Perform periodic reviews of local and international changes in HSEQ legislation, standards, technological specifications, research, or lessons learned, and update the HSEQ management system accordingly.
4. Contribute HSEQ legislation and other requirements to the legal and requirements register.
5. Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of HSEQ leading and lagging Key Performance Indicators.
6. Provide guidance and support to line managers and supervisors in risk assessments, processes, procedures, and safe systems of work to control risks effectively.
7. Manage and maintain hazard logs, risk assessments, and other risk management activities to ensure their adequacy.
8. Assist line management and supervisors in effectively managing change to minimize risks.
9. Conduct periodic site inspections, both announced and unannounced, during and outside normal hours to ensure compliance.
10. Ensure personnel competence is maintained as per the company's system requirements.
11. Respond to and investigate HSEQ incidents, identify root causes, and implement SMART actions to prevent recurrence, promoting a just culture and continuous improvement. Ensure timely reporting of statutory notifiable occurrences.
12. Develop and deliver HSEQ safety briefings, alerts, bulletins, and lessons learned advisories as needed.
13. Compile periodic HSEQ performance reports as required.
14. Contribute to the development and implementation of the annual HSEQ plan and report, in line with mandated requirements and timelines.
15. Engage in ongoing professional development to keep knowledge current and relevant.
16. Perform any other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

• High standard of education with academic achievements in risk and safety.
• NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent) is essential.
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent in OHS is desirable.
• Risk management qualification is desirable.
• ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, or ISO 9001 internal auditor certification is desirable.

Professional Qualifications:

• Membership in health and safety, risk, environmental management, or engineering fields is desirable.
• Full driving license is essential.
• Assessor qualification is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in an HSEQ role within railway construction, rail infrastructure renewals, or railway maintenance.
• Experience in incident investigation, safety audits, human factors, and non-technical skills.
• Previous international experience, with Middle East experience being desirable.
• Proven ability to deliver safety objectives in complex organizations.
• Knowledge of HSEQ legislation, standards, and technical specifications.
• Experience in complex report writing and SMS process development.
• Experience with rolling stock, rail operations, hazard logs, safety cases, and safety assurance, including working with ISA, is desirable.

Other Skills:

• Excellent communication skills in all forms, with the ability to speak publicly and present professionally.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic is preferable.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to manage cultural diversity and sensitivities in the workplace.
• Adaptability and resilience to work in harsh environments, primarily in desert locations.
• Trustworthy, with integrity, influential, capable of coaching and mentoring, and leading by example in safety practices.