Health and Safety Officer

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Health & Safety Officer

Department: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Reports To: Health & Safety Manager / HSE Manager

Location: Lusaka

Employment Type: Full-Time

1. JOB PURPOSE

To support the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the Company’s Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) standards, policies and procedures. The Health & Safety Officer will assist in ensuring that employees, contractors and visitors comply with applicable workplace health and safety requirements and that workplace risks are identified and appropriately controlled.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in implementing and maintaining the Company’s Health, Safety and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine workplace safety inspections and identify unsafe acts, conditions and potential hazards.
• Assist with risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and the implementation of appropriate control measures.
• Monitor compliance with company HSE procedures, PPE requirements and safe working practices.
• Report health and safety incidents, accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions to management.
• Assist with incident investigations and the preparation of corrective and preventive action plans.
• Maintain accurate HSE records, registers, inspection reports and incident documentation.
• Conduct or assist with toolbox talks, safety inductions and employee safety awareness programmes.
• Assist in ensuring that new employees, casual workers, contractors and visitors receive the required safety induction before commencing work.
• Monitor the correct use and condition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Assist with emergency preparedness, fire safety drills and emergency response procedures.
• Assist with inspections of fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, emergency exits, safety signage and other safety equipment.
• Assist in monitoring contractors and third parties to ensure compliance with company HSE requirements.
• Support regular HSE meetings and prepare relevant reports and statistics.
• Escalate serious safety violations, hazards or incidents to the HSE Manager and management immediately.
• Assist with environmental monitoring and compliance where applicable.
• Keep up to date with relevant Zambian occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and industry standards.
• Perform any other reasonable HSE duties assigned by management.

3. QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 School Certificate.
• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Safety Management, or a related field.
• Relevant HSE certifications such as Occupational Health & Safety, Fire Safety, First Aid, Risk Assessment or other recognized HSE training will be an added advantage.
• Must be registered with the relevant recognized professional or occupational health and safety institution/body in Zambia, where applicable.
• Proof of current registration and/or practising membership must be provided upon application.
• Must maintain valid professional registration/membership throughout employment where such registration is applicable to the position.

4. EXPERIENCE

• 1–2 years’ experience in a Health & Safety, Occupational Health & Safety or related environment will be an advantage.
• Experience in manufacturing, construction, mining, logistics, warehousing or a similar industrial environment will be an added advantage.
• Candidates with relevant qualifications and strong practical HSE knowledge but limited experience may be considered.

5. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Good knowledge of workplace health and safety principles.
• Understanding of hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of incident and accident reporting procedures.
• Understanding of PPE requirements and safe working practices.
• Good report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct safety inspections and identify hazards.
• Ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to enforce safety rules professionally and consistently.
• Good computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

6. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Responsible and safety-conscious.
• Professional and disciplined.
• Assertive and confident when addressing unsafe practices.
• Honest and ethical.
• Proactive and observant.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally.
• Able to work in a fast-paced and industrial environment.