Environmental Health & Safety Officer

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Officer to design and oversee comprehensive EHS programs. You will promote safety culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive sustainable practices across operations.

The role requires a strong grasp of SA EHS legislation (OHS Act, NEMA), risk assessment methods, incident investigation, and training delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Environmental Health, Occupational Safety, or related field.
• 5+ years progressive EHS management experience, preferably industrial/manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of SA EHS legislation (OHS Act, NEMA).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and training skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain EHS policies and procedures in line with national legislation and best practices.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and site inspections to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, determine root causes and preventive actions.
• Develop and deliver EHS training programs to all employees.
• Monitor environmental compliance including waste management and emissions control.
• Maintain accurate EHS records and prepare reports for management and regulators.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with EHS obligations.
• Promote a positive safety culture through engagement and leadership.
• Manage emergency preparedness and response plans and drills.
• Oversee proper use and maintenance of PPE and safety equipment.

Skills

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Training & awareness

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Degree/Diploma in Environmental Health or Safety

Tools

EHS software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial player in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly qualified Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Officer. This pivotal role will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive EHS programs to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, as well as promoting environmental sustainability across all operations. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of South African EHS legislation, risk assessment methodologies, and incident investigation techniques. You will be instrumental in fostering a strong safety culture, minimizing risks, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated EHS professional to make a significant impact in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's EHS policies and procedures in line with national legislation and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and site inspections to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Investigate all accidents, incidents, and near misses, determining root causes and developing preventive measures.
• Develop and deliver EHS training programs to all employees, ensuring awareness and competence in safety procedures.
• Monitor environmental compliance, including waste management, emissions control, and pollution prevention.
• Maintain accurate EHS records and prepare regular reports for management and regulatory bodies.
• Liaise with external regulatory agencies and ensure the company meets all legal EHS obligations.
• Promote a positive safety culture through communication, engagement, and leadership.
• Manage emergency preparedness and response plans, including drills and training.
• Oversee the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Requirements

• A relevant degree or diploma in Environmental Health, Occupational Safety, or a related field.
• Professional registration with a recognized EHS body (e.g., SAIOSH).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in EHS management, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• In-depth knowledge of South African EHS legislation (e.g., OHS Act, NEMA).
• Proven experience in risk assessment, hazard identification, and incident investigation.
• Strong understanding of environmental management principles and practices.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and training skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in EHS management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally to different sites.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive annual salary of ZAR, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. This role is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and provides a challenging and rewarding career path.