Health and Safety Officer

Location: BellvilleRole: Health and Safety Officer Summary:Conducts health and safety audits to assess compliance with regulations and standards. Provides expert advice, identifies risks, recommends improvements, and supports companies in creating safer workplace practices. Key Responsibilities:Compliance & Legal Requirements:Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Act 85 of 1993, and all applicable regulationsMaintain and update the organization''s legal appointment registerConduct regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety standardsLiaise with the Department of Employment and Labour inspectors during site visitsPrepare and submit all mandatory reports (e.g., incident reports, annual health and safety reports)Risk Management:Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and safe work proceduresMonitor hazardous operations and recommend control measuresMaintain the organization''s risk register and ensure regular updatesTraining & Awareness:Develop and deliver health and safety training programs for all staff levelsConduct induction training for new employees and contractorsFacilitate toolbox talks and safety awareness campaignsMaintain training records and ensure competency complianceIncident Management:Investigate all workplace incidents, accidents, and near-missesPrepare detailed incident reports with root cause analysisImplement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)Manage compensation claims and liaise with the Compensation FundHealth & Safety Programs:Chair and coordinate Health and Safety Committee meetingsDevelop and implement emergency response and evacuation proceduresOversee medical surveillance and occupational health programsManage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and complianceCoordinate fire safety systems, drills, and equipment maintenanceDocumentation & Reporting:Develop, maintain, and update health and safety policies and proceduresMaintain accurate health and safety records and documentationPrepare monthly reports for management on safety performance and KPIsEnsure proper filing of Safety Files and documentation for contractor management Required Qualifications:Education:Essential:National Diploma or Bachelor''s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, Environmental Health, or related field, NQF level 5 or higherSAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Certificate) or equivalentSAIOSH Registration as OHS Practitioner or Certified Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner (COSHP)ISO 45001 Lead Auditor CertificationValid First Aid Level 2 or 3 CertificateAdvantegeous:NEBOSCH International General Certificate or equivalent International CertificationCertificate in Incident InvestigationCertificate in Fire Safety Training, Electrical Safety, Machinery GuardingRegistration & Licensing:Registration with SACPCMP (South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions) or SAIOH (Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene) is requiredValid Code 08 (EB) driver''s licenseExperience:Minimum 3-5 years'' proven experience as a Health and Safety Officer or similar roleDemonstrated experience in health and safety audits and inspectionsExperience in incident investigation and root cause analysisKnowledge of industry-specific regulations (construction, manufacturing, etc.)Knowledge & Skills:Thorough knowledge of South African occupational health and safety legislation (OHSA and all applicable regulations)Understanding of ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management SystemsProficiency in risk assessment methodologies (HIRA, JSA, Bowties)Strong knowledge of emergency response procedures and protocolsFamiliarity with chemical safety and hazardous material handlingTechnical Competencies:Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Experience with health and safety management softwareReport writing and data analysis skillsAbility to conduct safety training and presentationsPersonal Attributes:Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English; Afrikaans and/or additional SA language advantageousStrong attention to detail and analytical thinkingAssertive with good interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently and under pressureHigh level of integrity and ethical conductProblem-solving mindset with proactive approachAbility to influence and drive behavioural changeKey Performance Indicators:Zero fatalities and reduction in Lost Time Injuries (LTI)Compliance audit scores (minimum 85%)Timely completion of incident investigations (within 48 hours)Training completion rates (100% induction training)Health and Safety Committee meeting frequency (monthly minimum)Reduction in unsafe acts and conditions