SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER REF NO: 301026/21 Branch: Infrastructure Management: Northern Operations Cd: Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Dir: Operations Northern

This vacancy is for a Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer within the Department of Water and Sanitation's Northern Operations Cluster, based at the Hartbeespoort Cluster office. The position sits within the Technical Services Sub-Directorate under the Infrastructure Management branch, which is responsible for Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Technical Services and will provide OHS support, coordination, monitoring and assurance not only to the Hartbeespoort office but also to the Groblersdal and Tzaneen Area Offices, making this a multi-site role covering a substantial geographical area.

Applicants need a relevant NQF level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety, coupled with three to four years of practical experience in an OHS environment. A valid, unexpired driver's licence is essential and must be disclosed on the CV. The role demands a solid working knowledge of the OHS Act and Regulations (Act 85 of 1993), OHS policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation principles, risk management theory, and health and safety management systems. Experience applying OHS within an Operations and Maintenance environment is particularly important, as is an understanding of government legislation and public administration. Strong report-writing, computer literacy, and communication skills are required, and professional registration in the OHS field will be an added advantage. The incumbent must be willing to travel extensively and work irregular hours.

The duties are broad and hands-on. The officer will coordinate the implementation of the OHS Act, regulations, and departmental policies, and will develop and maintain SHE/OHS management systems, procedures and programmes. This includes coordinating hazard identification and risk assessments, monitoring the effectiveness of risk-control measures, and conducting regular OHS inspections at operational facilities such as dams, pump stations, canals, workshops, construction sites and other workplaces. The role also involves investigating incidents, accidents and near misses, performing root-cause analysis, and tracking the closure of corrective and preventative actions. Statutory reporting of reportable incidents and managing COIDA-related processes fall within the remit, as does monitoring contractor compliance and providing technical OHS advice to managers, supervisors, employees and OHS representatives. The officer will compile monthly, quarterly and annual OHS performance reports covering incidents, injuries, fatalities, near misses, risks and trends, and will coordinate emergency preparedness, fire safety programmes and drills. Additional responsibilities include facilitating OHS training and awareness programmes, providing OHS input into maintenance procedures and safe systems of work, assisting with the OHS budget and resources, maintaining records and registers, and promoting a positive safety culture with continuous improvement initiatives.

This is an OSD-graded position at level 08. Applications must be submitted online through the department's e-recruitment portal before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted. Candidates are reminded that the online Z83 form must be fully completed, particularly the professional registration fields, as failure to disclose required information will result in disqualification.