Senior SHEQ Safety Officer

SUMMARY:
A Food Manufacturer situated in Cape Town is seeking a solutions-driven leader with a passion for food safety and compliance. The ideal candidate will thrive in challenging environments where collaboration and innovation make the difference.
This is a critical leadership role for a team player who is strong and resilient — someone who can unify stakeholders, lead with authority, and ensure our factory not only passes audits but becomes a benchmark for excellence.
A Senior Safety Officer develops and implements workplace safety policies, conducts risk assessments and inspections, ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, investigates incidents, provides training, and manages safety records and reporting. This role requires strong knowledge of safety legislation, risk management principles, and effective communication to foster a strong safety culture and ensure the well-being of employees.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
Policy & Procedure Development:

• Create, implement, and update safety policies, procedures, and SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) plans in line with regulations.

• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments (HIRA), and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks in machinery, plant layout, and job functions.

• Ensure full compliance with Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and environmental regulations, conducting internal audits and inspections.

• Develop and deliver safety training programs, including site inductions for new employees and contractors, to enhance safety awareness.

• Investigate workplace accidents, injuries, and near-misses to determine root causes and implement preventative actions.

• Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, incident reports, training sessions, and legal appointments.

• Prepare and submit regular reports on safety activities, compliance, and incidents to management.

• Collaborate with management and employees to promote and foster a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

• Oversee the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure all necessary equipment is inspected and functional.

• Legislative Knowledge:
• In-depth knowledge of relevant safety legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and environmental regulations.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey safety information and collaborate with various stakeholders.

• Proficiency in conducting hazard identification and risk assessments.

• Ability to thoroughly investigate workplace incidents and recommend corrective actions.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and maintain records.

• Competence in using relevant software and systems for reporting and record-keeping.

• Create, implement, and update safety policies, procedures, and SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) plans in line with regulations.

• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments (HIRA), and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks in machinery, plant layout, and job functions.

• Ensure full compliance with Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and environmental regulations, conducting internal audits and inspections.

• Develop and deliver safety training programs, including site inductions for new employees and contractors, to enhance safety awareness.

• Investigate workplace accidents, injuries, and near-misses to determine root causes and implement preventative actions.

• Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, incident reports, training sessions, and legal appointments.

• Prepare and submit regular reports on safety activities, compliance, and incidents to management.

• Collaborate with management and employees to promote and foster a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

• Oversee the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure all necessary equipment is inspected and functional.

• Legislative Knowledge:
• In-depth knowledge of relevant safety legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and environmental regulations.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey safety information and collaborate with various stakeholders.

• Proficiency in conducting hazard identification and risk assessments.

• Ability to thoroughly investigate workplace incidents and recommend corrective actions.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and maintain records.

• Competence in using relevant software and systems for reporting and record-keeping.

• Ability to influence and motivate others to adhere to safety guidelines and best practices.

• CV
• Qualifications
• 2 x most recent payslips