Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is recruiting a Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer (Ref: CMS56/2026) based in Bisho, Eastern Cape. The postholder enforces health and safety regulations across departmental facilities, investigates incidents and coordinates regional OHS activities.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct safety inspections to enforce health and safety regulations within departmental facilities.
• Compile reports recommending injury and illness prevention and corrective actions to ensure site compliance.
• Compile and maintain health and safety files and keep them up to date.
• Investigate incidents and determine the mitigation measures needed for OHS interventions.
• Maintain safety-related records, including workplace risk assessments, incident registers, monthly registers and OHS statistics.
• Coordinate emergency evacuation drills and assist in workplace emergency preparedness.
• Coordinate the regional OHS quarterly committee meetings.
• Develop, coordinate and implement OHS education and training on hazards and risks.
• Develop and review statutory standards, policies and procedures for departmental facilities.

Required profile

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Occupational Health and Safety or a recognised related qualification.
• At least two years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Registration with a relevant OHS body, with a certificate from SAIOSH/SACPCMP and SAMTRAC.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and its regulations, the Code of Practice, the South African National Standard and the National Building Regulations.
• Understanding of project management, financial management and supply chain management legislation.
• Willingness to travel long distances and spend time away from home.

Required skills

• Good verbal and written communication, report writing, organisational and planning skills.
• Analytical thinking and ability to gather and analyse information.
• Ability to work under pressure, independently and in a team.
• Computer literacy and use of standard software packages.