CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

The Construction Health and Safety Officer position is based at the Dr George Mukhari Facility Maintenance Hub and sits within the Chief Directorate Maintenance, making it a key post for ensuring that all building, renovation and maintenance work carried out for the department is done safely and in line with South African legislation. The role is essentially a specialised operational position focused on construction sites, where the officer must serve as the department’s expert on occupational health and safety, risk prevention and regulatory compliance. Working from a specific facility hub, the post holder will be expected to work closely with contractors, project managers, site workers and departmental committees to embed a strong safety culture across all maintenance and construction activities.

To be considered, applicants need an undergraduate qualification at NQF 6, recognised by SAQA, in Safety Management, along with at least one to two years of practical experience in safety management. Formal training in SAMTRAC, ISO 45001, HIRA, incident investigation, first aid, fire fighting and evacuation coordination is required, and candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence. The role demands a thorough understanding of the OHS Act and its regulations, environmental legislation as it applies to construction, health and safety management systems, and the principles of hazard identification and risk management. Strong computer literacy, problem-solving, decision-making, planning, conflict management and customer-focused responsiveness are also essential, as are reliability and the ability to work as part of a team.

The duties are wide-ranging and hands-on. The officer will conduct site research and trend analysis to identify systemic weaknesses and incident patterns, prepare health and safety specifications for construction sites, and approve project-specific health and safety plans. This includes completing site establishment checklists, reviewing and updating plans, and facilitating regular site, technical and progress meetings focused on safety. The officer will compile and test emergency response and preparedness plans, guide the establishment of departmental OHS committees, and represent the district at committee meetings. Legal appointment letters for sections 16.2, GMR 2.1S and OHS committee chairpersons must also be facilitated. On site, the officer is responsible for demarcating hazards, proposing remedial actions, attending contractor handovers, conducting hazard identification and risk assessments, inspecting contractor equipment, and reporting on contractors who deviate from approved plans. Baseline and task-specific risk assessments for departmental work, evacuation drills, developing OHS files for facilities, participating in management reviews, and identifying training needs for staff and contractors are all part of the remit. The officer also conducts awareness sessions, acts as a liaison between workers, management and subcontractors, maintains records of inspections and incidents, and produces technical reports for decision-makers.

As a government post, the position carries a structured package and benefits, and the recruitment process includes several important conditions. Applicants must apply using the prescribed government application form and attach a comprehensive CV; shortlisted candidates are later required to submit certified copies of qualifications, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department will not accept posted, emailed or hand-delivered applications, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All shortlisted candidates must undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and suitable candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, credit, qualifications and employment history. The department actively encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from coloured, Indian and white population groups to apply, with a medical confirmation of disability required where applicable. The department also reserves the right not to make an appointment.