Job Description

Job Title: High-Risk Safety Officer (Working at Heights)

Job Type: Full-Time / Contract (Depending on Employer Needs)

Job Purpose:

The High-Risk Safety Officer (Working at Heights) is responsible for ensuring the safety of personnel engaged in high-risk activities at elevated positions, in compliance with South African Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993, Construction Regulations, and industry best practices. The role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring safety systems, conducting risk assessments, and providing training and oversight to minimize the risk of falls, injuries, or fatalities in high-risk environments such as construction sites, mining operations, or industrial facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Risk Assessment and Management:

Conduct detailed risk assessments for all work at heights (above 1.5 meters as per South African regulations) to identify hazards such as falls, falling objects, unstable platforms, or adverse weather conditions.

Develop and implement fall protection plans in line with Construction Regulation 10, ensuring all risks are mitigated.

Safety Compliance:

Ensure compliance with the OHS Act, General Safety Regulations, and South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) guidelines related to ladders, scaffolding, and fall arrest systems.

Monitor adherence to Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk construction work.

Training and Competency:

Provide training on working at heights, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), fall arrest systems, ladder safety, and rescue procedures.

Verify that all personnel working at heights have completed accredited training (e.g., Unit Standard 229998 - Fall Arrest Techniques) and hold valid medical fitness certificates.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance:

Inspect and maintain safety equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, guardrails, scaffolds, and elevated work platforms to ensure they meet SABS and manufacturer standards.

Ensure proper storage and documentation of equipment checks.

Incident Management:

Investigate incidents or near-misses related to working at heights, document findings, and recommend corrective actions.

Coordinate emergency response and rescue operations for fall-related incidents, ensuring preparedness of rescue teams.

Supervision and Monitoring:

Oversee daily operations involving work at heights, ensuring safe work practices are followed.

Conduct regular site inspections and safety audits to identify and address potential hazards.

Reporting and Documentation:

Compile and maintain records of risk assessments, training sessions, equipment inspections, and incident reports.

Report safety performance and compliance to management and relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., Department of Employment and Labour).

Safety Culture Promotion:

Foster a proactive safety culture by engaging workers, conducting toolbox talks, and promoting awareness of height-related risks.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education:

Minimum NQF Level 5 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., SAMTRAC, NEBOSH, or equivalent).

Registration with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) as a Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO) is highly desirable.

Experience:

At least 3-5 years of experience in occupational health and safety, with a focus on high-risk environments and working at heights (e.g., construction, mining, or industrial sectors).

Proven experience in conducting risk assessments and developing fall protection plans.

Certifications:

Accredited Working at Heights training (e.g., Unit Standard 229998 or equivalent).

Fall Protection Planner certification (preferred).

First Aid Level 1 or higher (advantageous).

Skills and Competencies:

In-depth knowledge of South African OHS legislation, Construction Regulations, and height safety standards.

Strong analytical skills for hazard identification and risk mitigation.

Excellent communication and training skills

Pre contract award(tendor phase) -

responsible for compiling all health and safety documentation as per tendor requirements ensuring all documents are adequate and meet the minimum requirements.

Contract Award -

responsible for compiling of a Site specific Health & Safety Files which includes but is not limited to:

Occupational Health and Safety Plan Task specific Risk Assessments for all tasks as per Impact Engineering Scope of works Safe Work Procedures as per task Method Statements as per task Toolbx talks Emergency Response Plan Incident Accident Reporting Procedures Fall Protection and Resue Plan Traffic Management Plan Environmental Plan Ergonomic Plans Legal Appointments
Site Works:

Compile induction packs for Impact engineering and Sub contractors

Compile Machiney, Plant & Equipment packs for all mobile cranes, cherry pickers and scissor lifts as per Client/Principal contractor requirements and submit for approval.

Submit client specifications and all relevant health and Safety Documents to appointed sub contractors for the preparation of their Site Specific health & Safety Files

Attend Client pre approval and monthly audits

Audit and Approval of all Sub contractor Safety files prior to commencement of Site works and there after on a Monthly Basis.

Internal Monthly Audits

Attend Monthly Health and Safety Committee meetings

Daily/weekly Safety Site walks

Review Daily Safety Task Instructions and Job Safety Analysis

Compile weekly Tool box talks

Identifying gaps, Coordination and booking of all training on an ongoing basis as per the requirements of the OHS act. These include:

Work at heights training Health and Safety rep training Fire fighting First Aider MEWP Training Mobile Crane Training Portable Electric tools OHC Training Legal Liabilty Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Training Medicals
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: R18000,00 - R21000,00 per month

Experience:

Construction Safety Officer: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person