Health And Safety Officer

Access Freight International; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and warehousing company in Durban seeks a Safety Officer to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. The successful candidate will develop safety policies, conduct inspections, and organize training programs. Candidates must have at least a Matric (Grade 12) and a National Diploma in Safety Management, along with 2-3 years of experience in a warehousing environment. Strong knowledge of OHSA and ISO is essential.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in a warehousing environment.
• Strong knowledge of OHSA and handling hazardous cargo.
• Computer literate and good administrative skills.
• Strong knowledge of ISO.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential hazards and assess risks in the workplace.
• Develop, update, and enforce health and safety policies.
• Organize training programs for employees on safety protocols.
• Investigate workplace incidents to determine root causes.
• Maintain records of safety incidents and evaluations.

Skills

Risk Assessment

Policy Development

Training and Education

Incident Investigation

Compliance

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Contractor Management

Behavioral Safety

Daily Inspections

Education

Matric (Grade 12)

National Diploma in Safety Management

Health and Safety Training

Job description

Access World is a global commodity warehousing and logistics business. We specialize in handling, storage, and processing of commodities including non‑ferrous and ferrous metals, ferroalloys, project cargo, oil & gas, and other agricultural products. In addition, we are an approved warehouse keeper of the London Metal Exchange, and we provide LME warehousing and associated services to traders, producers, financiers, and consumers of base metals. We also provide physical warehouse and related logistics services for commodities such as cocoa beans, rubber, cotton, and other agricultural products. Access World also acts as collateral manager of ferroalloys, minor metals as well as oil and gas.

Purpose of the position

To ensure the site operates in compliance with all occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations while promoting a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards and assess risks in the workplace, conducting regular inspections and evaluations to determine safety vulnerabilities.
• Policy Development: Develop, update, and enforce health and safety policies and procedures in compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Training and Education: Organize and provide training programs for employees to increase awareness of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and proper use of safety equipment.
• Incident Investigation: Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, or near‑misses to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Routine & Random Inspections: Conduct safety, health, environmental and quality inspections and report deviations.
• Compliance: Ensure the workplace complies with local, state and federal safety regulations, maintaining records, permits and certifications.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop and implement emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures, first‑aid protocols and communication plans.
• Safety Equipment & PPE: Oversee selection, distribution and proper use of personal protective equipment by employees.
• Communication: Promote a culture of safety by effectively communicating safety policies, initiatives and best practices to all employees.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve safety procedures, staying up to date with industry trends and implementing innovative solutions.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of safety incidents, training, inspections and safety‑related documentation for reporting and auditing purposes.
• Safety Committee Participation: Collaborate with safety committees or relevant teams to gather input and suggestions for improving safety measures.
• Reporting: Prepare and submit regular reports to management on the status of health and safety programs, including metrics and performance indicators.
• Consultation: Provide guidance and support to management, employees and contractors on safety matters and regulatory compliance.
• Behavioral Safety: Promote safe behaviors and a safety‑conscious culture throughout the organization.
• Contractor Management: Ensure all contractors and subcontractors comply with relevant health and safety requirements as per legislation and company specifications.
• Liaise with other departments to achieve legislative compliance, meet company objectives and mitigate risk.
• Advising: Advise the SHERQ Manager and Site Managers on all HSE related matters.
• Daily Inspections: Conduct worksite daily inspections, prepare reports and correct unsafe conditions and practices.
• Hazard Identification: Perform hazard identification and risk assessment, recommending risk‑mitigating controls to management.
• Effectiveness Evaluation: Evaluate effectiveness of implemented controls through inspections.
• Induction: Ensure all employees, visitors and contractors on site are inducted.
• Records Management: Maintain checklists, registers and physical files; ensure PPE stock issued is recorded.
• Action Plan Management: Maintain and close out safety action plans and contractor safety files.
• Incident Investigation Support: Assist with incident investigation and ensure findings are closed out.
• Safety Promotion: Promote a safe workplace and continuous improvement of overall safety.

Key Performance Indicators

• Number of reported accidents / incidents.
• Equipment breakdowns.
• Safety training completion rate.
• Average staff attendance.
• Average overtime hours.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric (Grade 12).
• National Diploma in Safety management, SAMTRAC or relevant qualification.
• Health and Safety training an added advantage (Incident investigation, First Aid, Fire Fighting).
• Strong Knowledge ISO.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a warehousing environment.
• Strong knowledge of OHSA and understanding of handling hazardous cargo.
• Computer literate and good administrative skills.