About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is actively seeking a Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer based in Hartbeespoort. This role is vital for ensuring the health and safety standards are upheld across the Northern Operations Cluster Office, which includes the Hartbeespoort, Groblersdal, and Tzaneen Area Offices. By joining this team, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding not only the employees but also the public, ensuring that the department adheres to all Occupational Health and Safety regulations. Your expertise will contribute directly to the enhancement of workplace safety standards in the community.
As a Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer, you will be at the forefront of implementing vital health and safety protocols. Your work will ensure that the department’s operations run smoothly and safely, which ultimately protects both the workforce and the community at large. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a genuine impact within the public service sector in South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to managing the country’s water resources sustainably while ensuring that all South Africans have access to clean and safe water. The department’s mandate includes implementing policies related to water management, sanitation, and public health. Working here means being part of a dedicated team focused on enhancing quality of life and promoting environmental sustainability in South Africa.
The department plays a pivotal role in the broader public service landscape, contributing to the health and wellbeing of communities by ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. It is an environment that values innovation and continuous improvement, making it a meaningful place to advance your career.
What You’ll Do
- Provide Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) support and coordination across various operational sites.
- Implement and monitor adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and DWS policies.
- Develop and maintain SHE/OHS management systems and training programs.
- Conduct regular OHS inspections and ensure compliance assessments at operational facilities.
- Investigate incidents and accidents, conducting root-cause analyses and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
- Compile detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual OHS performance reports.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness and fire safety programs, liaising with emergency services.
- Promote a positive safety culture through awareness campaigns and training sessions.
- Provide expert OHS advice and feedback to management, contributing to strategic planning.
What You’ll Need
- A relevant NQF level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety.
- A minimum of 3 to 4 years’ experience in an Occupational Health and Safety environment.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Strong understanding of OHS legislation and risk management principles.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency in computer literacy and report writing.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work irregular hours.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
A relevant NQF level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety.Minimum Three (3) to four (4) years’ experience in Occupational Health and Safety environment.
The disclosure of valid unexpired driver’s license (Annotate such details on the CV).
Knowledge of strategic and operational plan in Occupational Health and Safety Management.
OHS Policy implementation.
Monitoring and evaluation principles.
Knowledge of research 89 procedures and techniques.
knowledge in Occupational Health and Safety and its application within the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) environment.
Disciplinary knowledge in public administration.
Knowledge of health and safety management systems design, techniques and tools.
Ability to write, review and proof-read OHS reports.
Understanding of Government legislation.
Knowledge of OHS Act and Regulations (Act 85 of 1993).
Knowledge of the risk management theory and practical auditor’s assessment.
Computer literacy skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Have experience related to Safety management within the Operations and Maintenance environment.
Having any professional registration associated with Occupational Health and Safety will be an added advantage.
Willing to travel extensively and work irregular hours.
Job Duties
To be based at the Technical Services Sub-Directorate at the Northern Operations Cluster Office, reporting directly to the sub-directorate Head: Technical Services, and provide Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) support, coordination, monitoring and assurance to the Hartbeespoort, Groblersdal and Tzaneen Area Offices.Coordinate and support the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations and applicable DWS OHS policies, procedures and standards.
Develop and maintain SHE/OHS management systems, procedures and programmes.
Coordinate the implementation of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments and monitor the effectiveness of risk-control measures.
Conduct regular OHS inspections and compliance assessments at DWS operational facilities, including dams, pump stations, canals, workshops, construction sites and other workplaces.
Investigate OHS incidents, accidents and near misses, conduct root-cause analysis and monitor the implementation and closure of corrective and preventative actions.
Coordinate statutory reporting of reportable incidents and manage COIDA- related processes.
Interpret and coordinate the implementation of recommendations arising from internal and external audits, inspections and compliance assessments.
Monitor OHS compliance of contractors and service providers and provide technical advice to managers, supervisors, employees and OHS representatives.
Compile monthly, quarterly and annual OHS performance reports, including incidents, injuries, fatalities, near misses, risks, trends and corrective actions in accordance with the approved reporting matrix.
Coordinate emergency preparedness, fire safety programmes, emergency procedures and drills, and liaise with relevant emergency services and regulatory bodies.
Develop and facilitate OHS awareness, training, workshops and safety promotion programmes.
Provide OHS input into maintenance procedures, safe systems of work and operational practices to promote the application of best practices.
Assist with the planning and management of the OHS budget and resources.
Maintain appropriate OHS records, registers and compliance documentation.
Promote a positive safety culture, employee participation, innovation and continuous improvement, including initiatives for reporting hazards, near misses and safety improvement suggestions.
Provide specialist OHS advice and regular performance feedback to the Head: Technical Services and relevant management structures and provide technical input into the strategic and operational planning of the OHS function.
