Health and Safety Officer

Job Title: Health and Safety Officer

Reports to: Operations Manager / General Manager / Director

Salary: Negotiable

Job Purpose:

The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring a safe and compliant working environment for all employees in the plumbing company. This role involves the implementation, monitoring, and management of health and safety practices, ensuring adherence to legal standards, and promoting a culture of safety within the workplace and on-site.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Health and Safety Management
   • Develop, implement, and monitor company health and safety policies to comply with legal standards and industry best practices.
   • Conduct risk assessments and job hazard analyses for plumbing activities, identifying and addressing potential hazards associated with the work.
   • Implement and enforce safety protocols specific to plumbing work, including confined space entry, working at heights, handling hazardous materials, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Site Inspections and Audits
   • Conduct regular site inspections to ensure that safety policies are being followed on all plumbing job sites.
   • Identify and document unsafe practices or conditions, working with site supervisors to address issues immediately.
   • Ensure that all equipment and tools are inspected regularly and meet safety standards.
3. Safety Training and Awareness
   • Organize and lead safety training sessions for employees on relevant topics such as working with plumbing tools, chemical safety, emergency response, and PPE usage.
   • Provide ongoing education and guidance to employees on safe working practices, hazard identification, and incident prevention.
   • Maintain a record of all training provided, ensuring compliance with regulatory training requirements.
4. Incident Investigation and Reporting
   • Respond to and investigate any workplace accidents, injuries, or near-misses, documenting findings and making recommendations for future prevention.
   • Prepare and submit reports on incidents, as required by regulatory authorities, and maintain comprehensive records of all incidents and investigations.
   • Coordinate with management to implement corrective actions based on incident investigations and audit findings.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
   • Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations and other relevant safety standards for plumbing work.
   • Maintain all health and safety documentation, including permits, certifications, inspection reports, training records, and emergency response plans.
   • Liaise with regulatory agencies as needed and ensure that the company meets all safety and compliance reporting requirements.
6. Emergency Preparedness and Response
   • Develop and implement emergency response plans for potential incidents such as chemical spills or confined space emergencies.
   • Train employees on emergency procedures, including first aid, evacuation, and spill control measures.
   • Regularly review and update emergency plans to ensure effectiveness and compliance with current regulations.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: SAMTRAC accreditation in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Health and Safety Officer, ideally in the plumbing, construction, or trade industry.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of OHS regulations, safety standards, and best practices for plumbing and construction work.
• Skills: Excellent attention to detail, strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to handle emergency situations calmly, and proficient in safety reporting and documentation.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is advantageous.
• Ability to travel to various job sites as needed.