Occupational Health Nursing Practitioner

Occupational Health Nursing Practitioner (OHNP)

Job Description / Roles and Responsibilities

Department: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Reporting to: Health, Safety & Environmental Manager

Location: Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing – Cape Town (Balance, Eclipse & Parow Facilities)

1. Purpose of the Position

The Occupational Health Nursing Practitioner (OHNP) is responsible for managing and implementing the company's Occupational Health Surveillance Programme in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Regulations for Hazardous Biological Agents, Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations, and the COID Act.

The OHNP ensures that all employees are medically fit for duty, monitors occupational exposures, promotes employee health and wellness, and assists management in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Medical Surveillance and Clinical Functions

• Conduct pre-employment, periodic, and exit medical examinations in line with the company's Medical Surveillance Programme (EHS 007 Medical Surveillance & Clinic Procedure ver.0).
• Perform biological monitoring, audiometry, spirometry, vision screening, drug and alcohol testing, and other relevant assessments.
• Identify and record occupational diseases, work-related injuries, and non-occupational health concerns that may affect job performance or safety.
• Issue and manage referrals to the Occupational Medical Practitioner (OMP), external specialists, or treatment facilities when required.
• Maintain confidential employee medical records in accordance with POPIA and ethical standards of nursing practice.
• Ensure compliance with fit-for-duty and return-to-work recommendations provided by the OMP.
• Conduct triage and first-aid assessments for minor injuries and emergencies, referring as necessary.
• Assist with the management and coordination of trained First Aiders across all factory sites, including ensuring that first aid boxes are regularly inspected, replenished, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

2.2 Health Promotion and Employee Wellbeing

• Develop and coordinate health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention programmes (e.g., ergonomics, chronic illness management, mental health, and substance abuse awareness).
• Educate employees on safe work practices, personal hygiene, PPE use, and occupational health risks.
• Participate in Toolbox Talks and other employee awareness initiatives to promote a culture of health and safety.

2.3 Recordkeeping, Administration, and Supplies Management

• Maintain up-to-date medical surveillance registers, referral logs, and drug and alcohol testing records.
• Ensure all medical records and certificates of fitness (COFs) are properly filed and digitally captured on the company's medical database.
• Compile and submit weekly health statistics to the HSE Manager (e.g., medicals conducted, non-compliance, referrals, and LTI-related health findings).
• Participate in incident investigations where health factors are involved.
• Support the preparation of documentation for Department of Labour inspections and ISO audits (ISO 45001 & ISO
• Order and control medical supplies and consumables for the clinic, including drug test kits, first-aid provisions, medical instruments, and other clinical items to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory register for all clinic and first aid stock.

2.4 Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure that all clinic activities are conducted in accordance with:
• OHS Act, 85 of 1993
• COID Act, 130 of 1993
• Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations
• General Safety Regulations
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations of 2003
• SANS The measurement and assessment of occupational noise)
• Conduct risk-based medical surveillance.
• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of Occupational Health SOPs and procedures.
• Support the OMP in medical reviews, incapacity assessments, and disability management.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning and first-aid response coordination.

2.5 Communication and Coordination

• Liaise regularly with:
• Health, Safety & Environmental Manager – for strategic and compliance alignment.
• Occupational Medical Practitioner (OMP) – for medical oversight and escalations.
• HR Department – for attendance, incapacity, and employee wellbeing follow-ups, as well as for scheduling medicals and managing employee fitness for duty.
• Provide professional advice on occupational health legislation, employee fitness, and workplace health risks.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• Registered Occupational Health Nursing Practitioner (OHNP) with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
• Possess a valid Dispensing License (Section 22A(15) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act) to procure, store, and dispense medicines within the legal scope of practice and in accordance with written standing orders or prescriptions issued by the Occupational Medical Practitioner (OMP).
• In the absence of a personal dispensing license, the OHNP may not dispense any medication, even with the permission of the OMP. However, the OHNP may:
• Administer medication prescribed by the OMP (e.g. injections, ointments, or single-dose medication under supervision);
• Store and manage clinic medicines and supplies procured under the OMP's dispensing license.
• Assist with recordkeeping, stock control, and ordering of medical provisions, provided no dispensing occurs; and
• Ensure compliance with the Medicines and Related Substances Act, Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) standards, and company procedures.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in an industrial or manufacturing occupational health setting.
• Sound knowledge of:
• Occupational Health and Safety Act and COID Act
• Health risk assessment principles
• Medical surveillance systems and clinical governance
• ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management system standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, data capture, and report generation.

4. Key Competencies

• Strong ethical and professional conduct.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy in recordkeeping.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Team-oriented approach with the ability to work independently.

5. Reporting and Performance

• Reports directly to the Health, Safety & Environmental Manager.
• Provides weekly performance reports covering medical surveillance, referrals, absenteeism trends, and occupational health issues.
• Subject to an annual performance review assessing compliance with legislation and procedures, operational efficiency, and overall contribution to improving employee health and wellbeing.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person