Occupational Health Practitioner

Introduction Our client in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is seeking an experienced and dedicated Occupational Health Practitioner to oversee employee health and wellness within a regulated production environment. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with occupational health legislation, promote well-being, and support a safe and productive workplace. If you are passionate about employee wellness, safety, and compliance, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact in a professional, health-focused environment. Key ResponsibilitiesPerform all duties in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of ) and its associated regulations, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Act of ), the Nursing Act (Act 33 of ) and related scope of practice regulations, the Medicines, and Related Substances Act (Act of ), the National Health Act (Act 61 of ), and all other applicable legislation governing occupational health practice in South Africa.HSE : Comply with HSE requirements related to the position. Identify, correct and promptly report unsafe conditions, at risk behaviours, or potentially hazardous situations. GMP : Ensure good manufacturing practice standards are maintained within the specific scope of responsibility, and in line with internal procedures and regulatory requirements. Occupational Health Programme Management Implement and maintain a comprehensive occupational health programme in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, COIDA, and related legislation. Develop, coordinate, and manage medical surveillance and biological monitoring programmes for employees and contractors exposed to hazardous substances. Conduct pre‑employment, periodic, exit, and special medical examinations. Maintain confidential health and exposure records for at least 40 years after exposure. Conduct health risk assessments to identify potential health hazards and ensure control measures are in place in collaboration with the HSE team and line managers. Perform ergonomic risk assessments to evaluate workplace design, posture, and manual handling tasks, and recommend corrective actions to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Manage a pregnancy safety programme, ensuring risk assessments and reasonable workplace accommodations are made for pregnant or breastfeeding employees in line with the Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child (BCEA). Primary Health Care Services Provide day‑to‑day primary health care for employees and contractors within scope of practice as defined by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Dispense medicines as authorised under the dispensing licence and ensure safe storage and control of scheduled substances according to Medicines and Related Substances Act, (Act No. of ) and Pharmacy Act, (Act No. 53 of ). Offer health counselling and follow‑up treatment as needed. Refer cases or conditions that are beyond practitioner’s authorised scope of practice promptly to the Occupational Health Medical Practitioner (OMP) or other qualified healthcare professionals. Manage chronic disease monitoring and adherence programmes. Clinical and Emergency Care Provide emergency care and treatment for workplace injuries or sudden illnesses. Stabilise patients and coordinate referrals to external medical facilities when required. Ensure that emergency response and first aid equipment are maintained and compliant with regulations. Health Promotion and Wellness Develop, implement, and evaluate wellness and health promotion programmes, including lifestyle management, disease prevention, and mental well‑being initiatives. Conduct employee health education and awareness campaigns on occupational and general health issues. Promote a culture of health and well‑being across all levels of the organisation. Liaison and Coordination Liaise closely with the Occupational Health Medical Practitioner (doctor) who attends the on‑site clinic weekly, ensuring seamless patient handover, follow‑up, and continuity of care. Coordinate and collaborate with the Employee Assistance Practitioner (EAP) on psychosocial, mental health, and wellness referrals. Maintain professional relationships with external service providers, laboratories, healthcare networks. Maintain professional accountability, uphold ethical standards, and document all assessments, interventions, and referrals in accordance with SANC and company requirements. Compliance and Reporting Ensure full compliance with applicable Acts and Regulations, GMP, and company policies. Prepare and submit required statutory and internal reports (e.g., COIDA returns, medical surveillance summaries, and health statistics). Participate in internal audits, inspections, and risk assessments; track and implement corrective actions. Advisory and Collaborative Role Advise management on employee fitness for work, rehabilitation, and reasonable accommodation. Support return‑to‑work and incapacity management processes. Collaborate with safety, environmental, and HR teams to identify and mitigate workplace health risks. Desired Experience & Qualification Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health Nursing or equivalent. Registered with SANC as an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner. Valid dispensing licence and current CPR / First Aid certification. Minimum 5 years' occupational health experience, ideally within a pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment. Knowledge of GMP, industrial hygiene, and workplace safety regulations. Interested? #J-18808-Ljbffr