Safety Officer - Automotive Manufacturing

Preference will be given to AA/EE Candidates.

Our client, a Manufacturer of automotive body parts, based in KZN is looking for an experienced Health and Safety officer who will coordinate health and safety function in the organisation. This includes the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, putting appropriate safety controls in place, and provides advice on accident prevention and occupational health. The Safety Officer will also ensure compliance with all relevant legislation regarding all workplace activities and the use of plant, equipment and substances. The role has a strong focus on training, continuous knowledge sharing and building a safety culture in collaboration with all stakeholders on the shop floor.

Years of professional experience & Educational background:

• Relevant National Diploma or Nebosh Certificate
• Degree in Safety Management or Nebosh Diploma
• HIRA (Hazard Identification Risk Assessment) knowledge and training
• Incident Investigation - working knowledge and training
• Must have a valid driver's licence
• ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
• 3 - 5 years relevant experience in environmental and safety management, preferably in Automotive Manufacturing or Manufacturing
• Sound working knowledge of safety and environmental legislation (OHS Act 85 of 1993 and eThekwini ByLaws, current occupational health and safety procedures, policies and standards

Technical Pre-Requisite

• Good working knowledge of safety and environmental legislation (OHS Act 85 of 1993 and National Environmental Management Act), current occupational health and safety procedures, policies and standards and NOSA safety systems
• Working knowledge of ISO 14001 (2015) and ISO 45001 (2018) standards
• Good working knowledge of Workman's Compensation/COID Act
• Contractor management skills
• Expertise in safety management, including root cause analysis and accident investigation
• Administration, reporting, and MS Office proficiency
• Observant with strong questioning and investigation abilities
• Accurate, methodical, and quality-focused
• Relationship-building, teamwork, and facilitation skills
• Effective verbal, written, and presentation communication
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and accountable for quality outcomes
• Strong planning, organization, coordination, and monitoring capabilities
• Results-oriented and deadline-driven
• Constructively assertive in ensuring compliance
• Adaptable and quick to learn

Tasks & responsibilities:

• Implement global and national safety standards.
• Conduct safety patrols (80% shop floor focus) to ensure:
• Safety-first and ISO 14001:2015 compliance.
• Risk assessments for all processes.
• Adherence to SOPs and STOP CALL WAIT for abnormalities.
• Machines are safe and maintained as per schedules.
• Use of correct PPE and compliance by contractors with permits and 37.2 agreements
• Ensure legal appointments are valid and understood.
• Chair monthly Health and Safety Committee meetings.
• Support ISO 14001 EMS, internal audits, and reviews
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefs, and training for new starters and contractors.
• Present training sessions and simulations.
• Update and maintain safety and environmental policies and procedures.
• Identify hazards, assess risks, and facilitate corrective actions.
• Perform job observations, risk assessments, and near-miss investigations with root cause analysis.
• Review and follow up on outstanding safety actions.
• Analyse and report on monthly Safety Activity Plan.
• Co-ordinate and report on Safety Representative and Driven Machinery Inspections.
• Ensure proper record-keeping for audits.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement countermeasures.
• Process IODs and liaise with Workmen's Compensation and the Department of Labour.
• Participate in projects and liaise with internal and external stakeholders to address challenges

Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted & only qualified candidates will be shortlisted