Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Officer

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract

Contract Duration: 12–18 Months

 

Job Overview

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Officer for a 12–18-month fixed-term contract based in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will oversee health, safety and environmental compliance on construction and industrial projects, ensuring that all activities comply with applicable legislation, construction regulations and client-specific HSE requirements.

The ideal candidate will have practical experience in construction safety management, risk assessments, site inspections, incident investigations, permit-to-work systems and contractor management. Experience with generator installations, heavy lifting, electrical systems and commissioning activities will be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

1. Health and Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), applicable Construction Regulations, environmental legislation and client-specific HSE requirements.


• Monitor site activities to ensure adherence to approved safety procedures and legal requirements.

2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

• Conduct Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).


• Identify workplace hazards and implement appropriate control measures.


• Review method statements and ensure risks are addressed before work commences.

3. Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses.


• Conduct root cause analyses and recommend corrective and preventive actions.


• Prepare investigation reports and monitor corrective action close-out.

4. Permit-to-Work Management

• Coordinate and monitor permits for hot work, working at heights, excavations, confined spaces and electrical isolation.


• Verify that the required permits, authorisations and safety precautions are in place before work begins.

5. Construction and Site Safety Management

• Monitor construction and installation activities to ensure compliance with approved method statements and safety procedures.


• Conduct routine site safety inspections and address unsafe acts and conditions.


• Ensure appropriate safety controls are implemented throughout project execution.

6. Generator Installation Safety

• Identify and manage hazards associated with generator installation, heavy lifting, fuel systems, electrical systems, commissioning and testing.


• Monitor installation and testing activities to ensure compliance with approved procedures and applicable safety standards.

7. Lifting and Rigging Safety

• Review lifting plans and verify lifting equipment and rigging arrangements.


• Monitor crane operations and heavy equipment installations.


• Verify equipment inspections, operator competency and compliance with applicable lifting requirements.

8. HSE Audits and Inspections

• Conduct HSE inspections, internal audits and compliance assessments.


• Inspect equipment, work areas and safety systems.


• Document findings and follow up on corrective actions.

9. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop and implement emergency procedures and response plans.


• Coordinate emergency drills and ensure emergency equipment is available.


• Support incident response and evacuation procedures.

10. Safety Training and Awareness

• Conduct HSE inductions, toolbox talks and safety briefings.


• Promote hazard awareness and safe working practices.


• Encourage a positive safety culture among employees, contractors and subcontractors.

11. Environmental Management

• Monitor waste management, spill prevention, pollution control and environmental compliance.


• Ensure appropriate handling and disposal of waste and hazardous substances.


• Report environmental incidents and coordinate corrective actions.

12. Contractor and Subcontractor Management

• Monitor contractor and subcontractor compliance with HSE requirements.


• Verify relevant competencies, training records, certifications and safety documentation.


• Conduct contractor HSE performance reviews and address non-compliance.

13. HSE Documentation and Reporting

• Prepare inspection reports, incident reports, audit reports, safety registers and monthly HSE statistics.


• Maintain accurate records of risk assessments, permits, training, inspections and corrective actions.


• Provide regular HSE performance updates to project management and clients.

14. Communication and Safety Culture

• Liaise with site management, clients, contractors and employees.


• Communicate HSE requirements clearly and professionally.


• Identify unsafe behaviours and conditions and intervene promptly to prevent incidents.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• National Diploma in Safety Management or Environmental Health.


• SAMTRAC certification.


• SACPCMP registration as a Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO) or Candidate CHSO.


• 3–5 years of relevant HSE experience in construction or industrial projects.


• Experience conducting site audits, inspections, incident investigations, risk assessments and contractor safety management.


• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations and applicable environmental requirements.