Job Description

Job Title: Health and Safety Officer - Site Safety Management, Inductions, and Compliance (Civil)

Department:

Operations

Reports to:

Contract Manager

Location:

Ward 21 of the Jozini Local Municipality

Contract Type:

Fixed Term (Project-Based)

Availability:

Immediate

Closing Date for Applications:

One week from posting

Position Summary

The Health and Safety Officer (HSE Officer) is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of health, safety, and environmental systems on-site in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act 85 of 1993), Construction Regulations, and the company's SHEQ Management System.

The incumbent will ensure full compliance across all construction activities, including the 13.5 km steel rising main pipeline, reservoirs, pump stations, distribution and reticulation pipelines, and civil works.
This position requires a proactive and disciplined individual who can lead safety initiatives, conduct training and inductions, enforce compliance, and cultivate a strong safety culture on-site.

Key Responsibilities

1. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Management

Implement, monitor, and enforce compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations, and all relevant environmental and municipal by laws. Develop, review, and maintain the site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HSP), Risk Assessments, Method Statements (HIRA), and Safe Work Procedures (SWPs). Ensure all activities including pipeline excavation, lifting, welding, concrete works, and confined space operations are risk-assessed and conducted safely. Monitor daily construction activities to identify unsafe conditions, practices, or behaviours and enforce immediate corrective actions. Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times in line with ISO 45001 and environmental standards. Assist in implementing environmental protection measures such as waste segregation, dust control, spill containment, and erosion control.

2. Safety Inductions, Training & Awareness

Conduct comprehensive safety inductions for all employees, subcontractors, and visitors prior to entering the site. Develop and deliver daily toolbox talks, weekly safety meetings, and specialized safety training (e.g., working at heights, confined space entry, PPE use, lifting operations). Maintain up-to-date training records, attendance registers, and competence matrices. Promote ongoing awareness of safety rules, regulations, and emergency procedures. Coordinate and verify that all site personnel have valid medicals, training certificates, and PPE in accordance with company and client requirements.

3. Site Inspections, Audits & Compliance Monitoring

Conduct regular site safety inspections, audits, and walkabouts with the Site Engineer and Contract Manager. Ensure all plant, tools, and equipment are inspected, certified, and fit for use (lifting gear, scaffolding, power tools, etc.). Verify compliance of subcontractors with safety requirements and ensure documentation (Safety Files) is up to date. Participate in internal and external SHE audits and ensure timely close-out of findings and non-conformances. Ensure all permits-to-work (hot work, confined space, excavation, etc.) are issued, controlled, and signed off before work begins. Enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe work practices at all times.

4. Incident Investigation & Reporting

Investigate all incidents, near misses, injuries, property damage, and environmental events promptly. Compile detailed incident investigation reports, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans. Report all incidents in accordance with OHS Act Section 24 and notify the Department of Labour when required. Maintain an accurate and current Incident and Accident Register. Provide feedback and lessons learned to the workforce to prevent recurrence.

5. Documentation & Record Management

Maintain and regularly update the site Safety File to ensure full legal and client compliance. Ensure all documentation is signed, dated, and properly filed, including: Induction records Toolbox talks Inspection registers Medicals and training certificates Risk assessments and method statements PPE issue registers Audit and incident reports Prepare and submit weekly and monthly safety performance reports to management and client representatives.

6. Emergency Preparedness & Response

Develop and implement the Emergency Response Plan and ensure all site staff are trained in emergency procedures. Conduct regular emergency drills (fire, evacuation, first aid, chemical spill). Ensure availability and inspection of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, spill kits, and emergency signage. Coordinate with emergency services and ensure communication systems are functional and accessible.

7. Stakeholder Liaison & Communication

Liaise with the client's safety representatives, consultants, and auditors during inspections and meetings. Provide accurate and timely information to site management on safety performance and issues. Promote a cooperative and transparent relationship with the Department of Labour and other regulatory authorities. Support management in promoting a "zero harm" culture across all project teams.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Academic Qualifications

National Diploma in Safety Management / Environmental Health / Construction Management (NQF Level 6 or equivalent). SAMTRAC or Equivalent Health & Safety Qualification (essential). Registered with SACPCMP as a Construction Health & Safety Officer (CHSO) (mandatory for construction sites). Additional training in First Aid, Fire Fighting, Working at Heights, and Incident Investigation is advantageous. Valid driver's license (Code 08).

Experience

Minimum 5-8 years' experience as a Safety Officer on civil engineering or pipeline projects. Proven experience in water infrastructure, reservoirs, pump stations, and bulk pipeline environments. Thorough understanding of the OHS Act, Construction Regulations, and environmental management practices. Experience preparing and maintaining client-approved Safety Files and passing safety audits. Experience in contractor compliance management and risk assessment preparation.

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of SANS 1200, OHS Act, and ISO 45001 management principles. Ability to interpret construction method statements, risk assessments, and technical drawings for safety planning. Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for reporting and documentation. Ability to conduct safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments independently. Competent in preparing incident reports, root cause analyses, and corrective action plans.

Behavioural Competencies

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence safe behaviour. Excellent attention to detail and compliance-driven mindset. High integrity, fairness, and impartiality when enforcing safety rules. Proactive, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple safety priorities. Calm and decisive during incidents or emergencies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Zero major incidents or regulatory non-compliances. 100% completion of inductions and toolbox talks. Up-to-date and audit-ready Safety File at all times. Timely and accurate reporting of incidents, audits, and inspections. High level of workforce engagement and safety awareness.

Application Details

Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit:

A detailed CV and certified copies of qualifications and registrations. Proof of SACPCMP registration and valid driver's license. References from previous construction or pipeline projects.

Closing Date:

7 days from posting

Availability:

Immediate

Job Type: Temp to perm
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From R15000,00 per month

Work Location: In person