Permanent - Health & Safety Officer - Centurion - South Africa

The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that the company’s manufacturing operations comply with all occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations. The role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring health and safety systems, conducting risk assessments, and fostering a culture of safety awareness across all departments. The incumbent will also play a key role in integrating food safety requirements, managing incident investigations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workplace safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, relevant regulations, and industry standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, ensuring the business meets all statutory health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Prepare and submit all necessary legal documentation, inspection reports, and compliance audits to regulatory bodies.

2. Safety Management (Manufacturing Environment)

• Conduct routine safety inspections, risk assessments, and hazard identification throughout the plant.
• Implement and manage safety management systems, ensuring proper use of PPE, machinery safeguarding, and workplace ergonomics.
• Oversee safe operating procedures for production equipment and enforce adherence to safety protocols.

3. Food Safety Integration

• Collaborate with the Quality and Production teams to align health and safety practices with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Support hygiene audits and ensure safe working environments in food handling and processing areas.
• Participate in corrective and preventive actions related to food safety incidents.

4. Training and Awareness

• Develop and deliver health and safety induction and refresher training programs for all employees and contractors.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through regular awareness campaigns, toolbox talks, and communication initiatives.
• Mentor supervisors and line managers on health and safety best practices.

5. Incident Management and Reporting

• Lead investigations into workplace accidents, near-misses, and non-conformances, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed.
• Maintain accurate incident and injury records, reporting trends and key metrics to management.
• Liaise with external authorities and service providers when necessary.

6. Best Practice and Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve existing safety processes and implement innovative, sustainable safety solutions.
• Benchmark safety performance against industry standards and drive continuous improvement projects.
• Participate in internal and external audits, ensuring consistent readiness for compliance inspections.

Skills and competencies 

• Strong knowledge of OHS Act, environmental regulations, and factory safety requirements. 
• Excellent communication, training, and interpersonal skills. 
• attention to detail, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to influence and build safety culture at all levels. 
• Computer literacy (MS Office and safety reporting system). 

Key Requirements:

• National Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• SAMTRAC, NEBOSH, or equivalent qualification (advantageous).
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Proven track record in managing compliance audits, risk assessments, and safety improvement programs.
• Strong understanding of OHS Act, ISO 45001, and food safety systems.
• Familiarity with environmental and waste management practices.
• Excellent communication, training, and report-writing abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels to foster a culture of safety.