Head of Health & Safety

Caledonian Recruitment Group Ltd; Ingatestone; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Health & Safety in Ingatestone. The ideal candidate will provide expert guidance on health and safety, ensuring compliance with UK legislation. Responsibilities include leading strategy development, conducting risk assessments, and facilitating training. Candidates must have a degree in Health and Safety, IOSH membership, and 3-5 years in a safety-critical setting. This position requires strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a health and safety role in a safety-critical environment.
• Proven experience in conducting risk assessments and site safety audits.
• In-depth knowledge of construction safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement health and safety strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct and review risk assessments and implement corrective actions.
• Perform site inspections and audits to monitor compliance.
• Develop and maintain health and safety policies.
• Lead investigations into incidents and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Provide H&S training and inductions for employees.
• Act as the primary contact for stakeholders regarding health and safety.
• Maintain records of inspections and incident documentation.

Skills

Health and Safety Expertise

Risk Assessment

Communication Skills

Incident Investigation

Decision-Making Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Degree or equivalent in Health and Safety

Chartered membership of IOSH or equivalent

Job description

Job Type

Head of Health & Safety

Location

Ingatestone, CM4

Salary Range

50k to 60k + Car + Package

Job Purpose

To provide expert H&S guidance and leadership to construction operations, ensuring the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures that guarantee full compliance with UK H&S legislation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead Health and Safety Strategy – Develop and implement a robust health and safety strategy, policies & procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Risk Management and Compliance – Conducting and reviewing risk assessments to ensure compliance with regulations and implement corrective actions.
• Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring all construction activities comply with UK H&S legislation, the CDM Regulations, and relevant ISO standards. This includes reporting serious incidents, accidents or occupational diseases to the HSE.
• Site Inspections and Audits – Performing regular site inspections and audits to monitor performance, identify non‑compliance, and ensure corrective actions are completed and reported.
• Policy Development – Develop and maintain H&S policies, procedures and guidance.
• Incident Investigation – Leading investigations into accidents, incidents, and near‑misses to determine root causes and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
• Training and Education – Providing or coordinating H&S training, inductions for employees to ensure awareness of safety practices and procedures.
• Communication and Consultation – Acting as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Contract Managers, the client and the HSE. This involves fostering a positive H&S culture and consulting employees on safety matters.
• Documentation and Reporting – Maintaining detailed and accurate records of inspections, incidents, training, and risk assessments for audits and reporting performance data to senior management.
• Strategic Board Member – Contribute to setting strategy, reviewing business plans and budgets, supporting effective governance, identifying risks and helping to set culture, values and ethical standards.
• Continuous Improvement – Driving continuous improvement in H&S performance and staying up‑to‑date with changes in legislation and industry best practices through ongoing professional development.

To qualify for this position you must have the below

• Degree or equivalent in Health and Safety or related field
• Chartered membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a health and safety role experience working in a safety‑critical environment
• Proven experience in conducting comprehensive risk assessments and regular site safety audits to identify and mitigate hazards
• Able to lead accident and incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions
• In‑depth knowledge of construction safety standards
• Understanding of environmental and quality management skills
• Excellent prioritisation, organisational and decision‑making skills
• Ability to utilise data, analyse and communicate key information
• Report writing and incident documentation
• Ability to communicate effectively, present key information and influence
• A willingness to attend appropriate training and development, as requested
• Willingness to travel to sites to deliver in your role
• This role will require the post holder to hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle
• A flexible approach to working hours