Senior Health and Safety Officer

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Health and Safety Officer to lead an HSMS for a remote-first construction client. You will shape safety policy, perform virtual risk assessments, audits, and training while ensuring compliance with South Africa's OHS Act as it applies to projects.

This role suits a proactive communicator who can operate independently from a home office and collaborate with teams across jurisdictions, delivering continuous safety improvements and reports to senior management.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety or related field.
• Registered as a Pr CHSA with SACPCMP.
• Minimum of 6 years in a health and safety role, preferably within construction.
• In-depth knowledge of South African OHS legislation, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing HSMS.
• Excellent virtual communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools and safety management software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain an HSMS aligned with legislation.
• Conduct remote risk assessments and hazard identification across projects.
• Develop and deliver virtual health and safety training programs.
• Investigate incidents and conduct root-cause analyses with corrective actions.
• Monitor compliance with statutory health and safety requirements.
• Prepare health and safety performance reports for senior management.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across the organization.
• Advise management and employees on health and safety matters.
• Maintain health and safety documentation and records.
• Conduct virtual safety audits of equipment and processes.
• Develop and manage emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Stay current with changes in health and safety legislation and best practices.

Skills

HSMS development

Risk assessments

OSH legislation

Virtual training

Auditing

Incident investigation

Remote communication

Digital tools

Root cause analysis

Time management

Education

Bachelors in OHS

Diploma in OHS

Tools

MS Teams

Zoom

Safety software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected entity in the construction sector, is seeking a highly qualified and dedicated Senior Health and Safety Officer to join their team. This is a critical, fully remote position, essential for ensuring the highest safety standards across all company operations and projects, regardless of physical location. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures to foster a zero-harm workplace culture. The role requires a proactive individual with deep knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation in South Africa, particularly as it pertains to construction environments. As a remote-first organization, effective communication, digital tools, and virtual collaboration are paramount. You will conduct virtual risk assessments, safety audits, and training sessions, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement in safety performance. This position offers the opportunity to significantly influence safety practices and create a safer working environment for all employees and contractors, from the convenience of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) aligned with relevant legislation (e.g., OHS Act 85 of 1993).
• Conduct regular remote risk assessments and hazard identification across all operational areas and projects.
• Develop and deliver virtual health and safety training programs to employees and contractors.
• Investigate all incidents, accidents, and near-misses, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all statutory health and safety requirements.
• Prepare and submit regular health and safety performance reports to senior management.
• Develop and promote a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.
• Advise management and employees on health and safety matters.
• Maintain all health and safety documentation, records, and registers.
• Conduct virtual safety audits and inspections of equipment and work processes.
• Develop and manage emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Stay current with changes in health and safety legislation and best practices.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field.
• Registered as a Professional Construction Health and Safety Agent (Pr CHSA) or equivalent with SACPCMP.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a health and safety role, preferably within the construction industry.
• In-depth knowledge of South African OHS legislation, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing HSMS.
• Excellent virtual communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom) and safety management software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• Demonstrated ability to influence safety behaviour and culture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Opportunity to work remotely with flexible working hours.
• Contribution to health insurance and retirement savings.
• Professional development and continuous training opportunities.
• Be part of a company that prioritizes safety and employee well-being.
• Access to essential software and resources for remote work.