Health and Safety Consultant

Location: BellvilleRole: Health and Safety ConsultantSummary:Conducts health and safety audits to assess compliance with regulations and standards. Provides expert advice, identifies risks, recommends improvements, and supports clients in creating safer workplace practices. Key Responsibilities:Client Consultation & Advisory Services:Provide expert health and safety consultation to multiple external clients across various industriesAct as the appointed Health and Safety Advisor for clients (legal appointments in terms of OHSA)Conduct initial client assessments and develop customized H&S strategiesAdvise clients on legislative compliance requirements and best practicesDevelop client-specific health and safety policies, procedures, and programsAttend client sites regularly for routine visits and supportAuditing & Compliance:Conduct comprehensive health and safety compliance audits at client facilitiesPerform ISO 45001 system audits and gap analysesEvaluate compliance with OHSA Act 85 of 1993 and all applicable regulationsConduct legal compliance audits and identify non-conformancesPrepare detailed audit reports with findings, recommendations, and action plansVerify implementation of corrective actions during follow-up visitsLiaise with Department of Employment and Labour inspectors on behalf of clientsRisk Management Services:Conduct risk assessments (HIRA) and Job Safety Analyses for client operationsDevelop risk registers and risk mitigation strategiesReview and update clients' Safe Work Procedures and Standard Operating ProceduresAssess hazardous operations and recommend appropriate control measuresConduct workplace inspections and identify unsafe conditionsDocumentation & Systems Development:Develop comprehensive Safety Files for client organizationsCreate and maintain legal appointment registersDevelop Emergency Response Plans and evacuation proceduresPrepare mandatory documentation for Department of Employment and Labour submissionsAssist clients with Compensation Fund registrations and submissionsDevelop PPE matrices and hazardous chemical registersTraining & Capacity Building:Develop and deliver customized health and safety training programs for clientsConduct on-site induction training for client employees and contractorsFacilitate Health and Safety Committee meetings and representative trainingDeliver toolbox talks and safety awareness sessionsTrain client personnel on incident investigation proceduresIncident Management Support:Assist clients with incident, accident, and near-miss investigationsConduct root cause analysis and prepare investigation reportsAdvise on corrective and preventive actionsSupport clients with Compensation Fund claims and submissionsGuide clients through Department of Employment and Labour incident reportingClient Relationship Management:Maintain strong professional relationships with existing clientsProvide responsive support and timely service deliveryConduct quarterly business reviews with key clientsIdentify opportunities for additional services and client retentionSupport business development and new client acquisition Required Qualifications:Education:Essential:National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, or related fieldSAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Certificate) - mandatoryValid First Aid Level 2 or 3 CertificateCertificate in Incident InvestigationAdvantegeous:NEBOSCH IGC (International General Certificate)ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certificationConstruction Health and Safety Management CourseDiploma in Occupational Health (DOH)Professional qualification (e.g., Pr.CPM, COH)Registration & Licensing:Essential:Registration with SACPCMP (as a Professional Health and Safety Consultant) or SAIOH - mandatoryValid Code 08 (EB) driver's license with own reliable vehicleExperience:Minimum 5+ years' proven experience in health and safety consulting or advisory roleExtensive experience conducting health and safety audits across multiple industriesDemonstrated track record managing multiple client accounts simultaneouslyExperience with legal compliance audits and Department of Employment and Labour interactionsProven experience in developing H&S management systems from scratchExperience in construction, manufacturing, retail, or logistics industries highly advantageousIndustry Knowledge:Must have multi-industry exposure including:Construction (OHS Act Regulations for Construction Work)Manufacturing and industrial operationsGeneral commercial/office environmentsWarehousing and logistics (optional but advantageous)Knowledge & Skills:Expert knowledge of South African occupational health and safety legislation (OHSA and all regulations)Thorough understanding of ISO 45001:2018 standard and implementationProficiency in various risk assessment methodologiesKnowledge of Construction Regulations 2014Understanding of Environmental Regulations and waste managementKnowledge of Compensation Fund processes and proceduresFamiliarity with Labour Relations Act and Employment Equity ActTechnical Competencies:Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Excellent report writing and presentation skillsAbility to interpret technical drawings and site plansExperience with H&S management software and audit toolsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesProject management skillsPersonal Attributes & Competencies:Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English; Afrikaans and/or additional SA language highly advantageous for Cape Town marketStrong client-facing skills with professional business acumenSelf-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervisionExcellent time management and ability to prioritize multiple client demandsAssertive yet diplomatic approach to enforcing complianceHigh level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethicsConsultative mindset with solution-oriented approachWillingness to travel extensively within Western Cape and occasionally nationallyAdaptability to work across different industries and organizational cultures Key Performance Indicators:Client satisfaction scores (minimum 85%)Number of audits completed per month (target: 12-15)Billable hours percentage (target: 75%+)Client retention rate (target: 90%+)Audit report turnaround time (within 5 working days)Revenue generation and new business development contributionCompliance improvement rates at client sitesReduction in client incidents and non-conformancesWorking Conditions:Office-based in Bellville with frequent travel to client sitesApproximately 60-70% of time spent at various client locations across Western CapeOccasional work outside normal business hours for client emergencies or auditsMay require occasional overnight travel for clients outside Cape TownExposure to various industrial environments including construction sites, factories, and warehouses