Health, Safety and Environment Officer

Our client

Is the leading manufacturer of Traditional African Sorghum Beer (Umqombothi) in South Africa. Umqombothi is the core business of the company. It produces and distributes Umqombothi from 6 Breweries and numerous distribution depots strategically situated throughout South Africa.

Role Purpose:

• To coordinate the company’s health, safety, and environmental (HSE) systems by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls to protect people and the environment. This role involves providing expert advice on accident prevention, occupational health, and environmental management to both management and employees. Additionally, the HSE Officer will investigate accidents, incidents, non-conformances, environmental impacts, health-related concerns, and complaints to drive continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

Primary Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure proactive compliance with health, safety and environmental (HSE) laws and regulations across the brewery and depots.
• Conduct regular inspections to assess adherence to HSE requirements and recommend improvements.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive Baseline Risk Assessments for each centre, advising on appropriate control measures.

Health, Safety & Environmental Programs

• Support the development and implementation of HSE programs, policies, and strategies.
• Facilitate the implementation of ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, and ISO 50001 in coordination with the HSE Manager.
• Promote continuous improvement in HSE performance through audits, reviews, and best practices.

Workplace Safety & Incident Management

• Identify unsafe acts, conditions, and hazards, investigate root causes, and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate incident reports, conduct root cause analysis, and work with managers a supervisors to implement corrective measures.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, including regular evacuation drills and updates to emergency procedures.

Training & Awareness

• Conduct HSE-related training for employees, including contractor safety inductions.
• Ensure HSE representatives perform monthly inspections of their work areas.
• Communicate risk assessments, safe work procedures, and method statements to the workforce.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain updated registers and checklists for HSE compliance.
• Ensure proper inventory management, maintenance, and supply of PPE, fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Generate weekly, monthly, and quarterly HSE reports for senior management.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Negotiate with managers and employees on providing a safe working environment.
• Liaise with on-site contractors and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with company
• HSE regulations.
• Assist in appointing HSE representatives and ensure their effective participation in HSE initiatives.

Emergency & Contingency Planning

• Assist in the formulation and execution of emergency response plans for:
• Natural disasters
• Industrial action
• Political unrest
• Fire, explosions, and bomb threats

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric
• National Diploma/degree in Health & Safety Management
• SAMTRAC or NEBOSH
• NOSA
• HIRA
• ISO 14001, 22000, 45001, 50001 auditor.
• HACCP
• Total Quality Management Certificate (Advantageous) & ISO 9001
• 5 years of work experience in a similar role
• FMCG Manufacturing experience
• SAP experience
• Sound knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• Knowledge of Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)
• Government and Sectorial requirements
• Knowledge of HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Management Systems would be an advantage
• Comprehensive knowledge of Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis Principles
• Work independently, exercising effective judgment and initiative
• Systematic, hands-on and innovative approaches to all facets of his/her work
• Be goal orientated, stable, show integrity and be able to make decisions under pressure
• Must have a pro-active problem-solving approach and initiate corrective action to eliminate deviations
• Good written and oral communication
• Time management and work effectively under pressure and/or stringent schedule and produce accurate results.
• High integrity.
• Strong self-discipline.
• Self-motivated; able to work with minimal supervision and still deliver excellent results.
• Must demonstrate potential across all core leadership capabilities:

Leadership capabilities

• Lead with Authenticity
• Solve Problems Proactively
• Align with UNB’s Purpose
• Empower and Develop People
• Deliver Excellence Consistently
• Commit to Personal Growth

Cost to Company:

Market Related