Health and Safety Officer

Location: Bellville Role: 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 regulations Maintain and update the organization''s legal appointment register Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards Liaise with the Department of Employment and Labour inspectors during site visits Prepare 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 procedures Monitor hazardous operations and recommend control measures Maintain the organization''s risk register and ensure regular updates Training & Awareness: Develop and deliver health and safety training programs for all staff levels Conduct induction training for new employees and contractors Facilitate toolbox talks and safety awareness campaigns Maintain training records and ensure competency compliance Incident Management: Investigate all workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses Prepare detailed incident reports with root cause analysis Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) Manage compensation claims and liaise with the Compensation Fund Health & Safety Programs: Chair and coordinate Health and Safety Committee meetings Develop and implement emergency response and evacuation procedures Oversee medical surveillance and occupational health programs Manage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and compliance Coordinate fire safety systems, drills, and equipment maintenance Documentation & Reporting: Develop, maintain, and update health and safety policies and procedures Maintain accurate health and safety records and documentation Prepare monthly reports for management on safety performance and KPIs Ensure 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 higher SAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Certificate) or equivalent SAIOSH Registration as OHS Practitioner or Certified Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner (COSHP) ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Certification Valid First Aid Level 2 or 3 Certificate Advantegeous: NEBOSCH International General Certificate or equivalent International Certification Certificate in Incident Investigation Certificate in Fire Safety Training, Electrical Safety, Machinery Guarding Registration & Licensing: Registration with SACPCMP (South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions) or SAIOH (Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene) is required Valid Code 08 (EB) driver''s license Experience: Minimum 3-5 years'' proven experience as a Health and Safety Officer or similar role Demonstrated experience in health and safety audits and inspections Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis Knowledge 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 Systems Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies (HIRA, JSA, Bowties) Strong knowledge of emergency response procedures and protocols Familiarity with chemical safety and hazardous material handling Technical Competencies: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Experience with health and safety management software Report writing and data analysis skills Ability to conduct safety training and presentations Personal Attributes: Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English; Afrikaans and/or additional SA language advantageous Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking Assertive with good interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and under pressure High level of integrity and ethical conduct Problem-solving mindset with proactive approach Ability to influence and drive behavioural change Key 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