Job Description

Job Title
Officer (post level 11/10): Occupational Health and Safety (Job ID: 6294)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations -> Facilities Management -> University Estates
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
26/11/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:

https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

- Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.


The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

Duties and responsibilities:

Contractor/Supplier Management

Ensure compliance during the construction stage:

Ensure that appointed principal contractor is in good standing with the compensation commissioner. Ensure that appointed principal contractor notify the Dept. of Labour. Ensure all sub-contractors appointed by principal contractor comply and have necessary competencies. Ensure that the appointed principal contractor implements and maintains health and safety system and safety file is kept on site. Conduct a periodic inspection. Attend project meetings. Ensure that the appointed principal contractor reports all incidents and accidents to university and provincial director.

Event Management

Planning before the event:

Attend preparatory meetings. Ensure that the venue is inspected. Ensure that public liability insurance is available.

Implementation during the event:

Ensure co-operation and coordination of work activities. Provide employees and others with relevant information on any risks to their health and safety. Monitor H & S compliance. Review H & S arrangements. Attend briefing meetings.

Safety/Health Management

Gas Cage Installations and Diesel Tank Compliance:

Audit and Inspection. Verification of compliance. Internal Inspection and Audit Schedule (Monitoring).

Fire Management:

Structural Fire Management. Veld Fire Management.

Laboratory Safety Management:

Audit and Inspection.

Emergency Management.

Implement the emergency and disaster plan with protection services:

Inspect all buildings to ensure proper compliance with fire protection and safety regulations. Coordinate training for emergency coordinators and other occupants. Assist Protection Services as requested.

Injury on duty Management

Reporting of Incident:

Ensure all accidents are reported to the compensation commissioner within 7 days when medical treatment is required. Ensure first doctor's report & accident report must be submitted to the Compensation Commissioner to consider a Claim. Ensure if the injury continues for a long time, the medical practitioner sends a Progress Medical Report to the Commissioner. Ensure the progress reports are submitted monthly until the condition is fully stabilized. Ensure a Final Medical Report is submitted to the Compensation Commissioner. Ensure resumption Report is completed and submitted to the Commissioner.

Injuries caused by motor vehicles accidents:

Obtain a case number and a copy of the driver's license of the employee. Open a file for the employee and place copies of all documents and correspondence related to the accident in the file. Keep all documentation related to the accident for a minimum of three (3) years. Complete the Motor Vehicle Accident Report in co-operation with the employee.

Fatal Accidents:

Report on the fatal accident with Protection Services. Report on the fatal accident within one (1) working day to the Compensation Commissioner in Bloemfontein. Submit the required documents to the office of the Compensation Commissioner.

Injury Statistics

Collect and report monthly injury statistics to University Estate. Complete Incident Investigation form.

Smoking Policy Implementation

Building Assessment. Smoking Champion appointments. Ensure designated Smoking Areas are available and sufficient. Smoking distance from the building. Smoking in the UFS vehicles.

Inherent Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree or an Advanced Diploma/B. Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6 in Safety Management, Occupational Health and Safety or Environmental Health. Minimum of two (2) years' relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities. A valid driver's license Code 8(B) (attach a copy).

Recommendations:

Experience within the higher education environment. Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures. Member of a or registration at a professional body. Completed a SAMTRAC course (attach a copy).

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

Results-Oriented:

The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking:

The ability to deal with several activities at a time. The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office. Safety management knowledge Injury on duty management Events Management knowledge Emergency Management Smoking Management Fire Management System Municipal By-laws Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993

Leading:

The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people. The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Required Documents

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:


A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

26 November 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 447,323.31- R 562,750.48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email

PhokaR@ufs.ac.za

. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2876/2979 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.