Job Description
The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation and enforcement of safety policies, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in the workplace. The role requires a person who can provide a health status clearance, carry heavy tools, and work at heights.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:
- Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
- Certifications in relevant health and safety courses are advantageous.
- Previous experience in leading others is advantageous.
- Serious commitment to health and safety in the work environment.
- Experience or courses in health and safety are advantageous.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to coach and train staff on health and safety practices.
- Support the appointment of competent health and safety personnel such as fire wardens and first aid responders.
- Ensure compliance with all legal health and safety requirements.
- Display forward-thinking to protect the company from risks and ensure the procurement of necessary safety equipment in line with statutory requirements.
Skills and Competencies:
- Analytical Skills: Ability to assess risks and develop effective safety protocols.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills for training and informing employees about safety practices.
- Organizational Skills: Managing multiple tasks and maintaining accurate records.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and thorough documentation.
Work Environment:
The role involves both office work and on-site activities. A full health status check is required as an inherent part of the job.
Key Performance Areas:
- Responding to employee health and safety concerns.
- Managing hazards and risks within the company.
- Training volunteer staff for their core functions.
- Ensuring ongoing compliance with health and safety standards.
- Collaborating with the Occupational Health and Safety Officer to ensure staff safety.
Operational Objectives:
- Conducting inspections of the premises.
- Guiding, training, and recruiting volunteer staff.
- Understanding the core functions of volunteer staff.
- Staying updated with the latest health and safety legislation.
- Proactively learning about occupational health and safety matters.
- Participating in quarterly health and safety meetings.
- Maintaining positive relationships with external suppliers and organizations.
- Keeping the company’s health and safety policy and plan current.
- Maintaining contact with the Department of Labour regarding inspections and correspondence.
- Tracking all OHS due dates for appointments and equipment.
- Raising awareness about safety responsibilities among management and staff.
- Facilitating accident and injury investigations, including COIDA claims.
- Monitoring access control and surveillance systems.
- Planning and coordinating emergency evacuation procedures.
- Ensuring all signage on premises is relevant and up to date.
- Maintaining risk assessments for the company.
- Managing the first aid operation, including updating first aid kits, training responders, and managing ambulance/doctor procedures.
- Ensuring OHS policies are adequate and implemented.
- Conducting daily and monthly safety inspections of the building.
- Training OHS staff to improve their skills.
- Ensuring fire fighting equipment is operational and serviced regularly.
- Maintaining records of fire incident reports and updating fire safety plans.