Health & Safety Officer

SUMMARY:
Role Purpose
The Health & Safety Officer is responsible for managing and maintaining occupational health and safety compliance across multiple operational sites in Stellenbosch. The role ensures full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and related legislation, while continuously updating systems, policies, and procedures in line with regulatory changes.
Working closely with Maintenance, Operations, and Management, the incumbent ensures that all buildings, machinery, vehicles, forklifts, equipment, contractors, and staff transport meet statutory and safety requirements. The role further ensures that staff training, emergency preparedness, risk management, and quality system integration are consistently implemented and monitored.

POSITION INFO:
Key Performance Areas

1. Machinery, Equipment & Vehicle Compliance

• Ensure all machinery, equipment, forklifts, and vehicles comply with OHS Act requirements and legal standards
• Monitor preventative maintenance schedules and breakdown records
• Identify and recommend equipment upgrades or replacements
• Coordinate specialist repairs and commissioning of new machinery
• Source and negotiate pricing for spares and new equipment

1. Buildings & Grounds Compliance

• Conduct regular inspections of buildings and surrounding grounds
• Ensure repairs and renovations meet health and safety standards
• Coordinate contractors for maintenance, emergency call-outs, and renovations

1. Health & Safety Document Control

• Manage and maintain all HSE-related documentation
• Ensure procedures, policies, and records meet legislative requirements
• Monitor and track HSE-related training and competency requirements
• Report incidents to the Department of Labour using required documentation
• Manage contractor files, xxx agreements, and risk assessments
• Record, investigate, and report incidents, near misses, and corrective actions
• Compile monthly HSE dashboards, reports, and compliance feedback
• Support incident investigations and corrective action implementation

1. Security Oversight

• Act as the primary on-site security contact
• Monitor security surveillance systems and access control
• Liaise with external security service providers
• Ensure protection of company assets, staff, and visitors

1. Contractor Management & Risk Control

• Supervise contractor and employee compliance with health and safety policies
• Ensure contractor risk assessments and controls are current and effective
• Assist departments with health and safety risk identification and mitigation

1. Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Ensure compliance with QMS protocols and GMP requirements
• Participate in internal audits and self-assessments
• Support and manage external audits by customers and regulatory authorities
• Align HSE policies with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards where applicable

1. Health, Safety & Housekeeping

• Develop, review, and enforce health and safety policies and procedures
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and government bodies as required
• Coordinate fire drills, emergency evacuations, and emergency preparedness
• Maintain safety signage, notice boards, and first-aid/fire equipment records
• Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained across all operational areas
• Conduct and oversee health and safety meetings and SHE representative activities
• Be available for after-hours emergencies or urgent safety matters

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
• Diploma or Degree in Safety Management, Engineering, or a technical discipline
• Trade-tested or technical qualification advantageous

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment
• At least 5 years’ experience in a technical or industrial environment
• Corporate or manufacturing environment experience advantageous

• Strong understanding of the OHS Act and regulatory compliance
• Mechanical maintenance and project management exposure
• Risk assessment and incident investigation skills
• Knowledge of HACCP and prerequisite programmes
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
• Strong computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving ability
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-driven

• Valid driver’s licence and own transport