OHS: INSPECTOR: CIVIL AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

This position is for an Occupational Health and Safety Inspector specialising in civil and construction engineering, based at the Labour Centre in Lephalale. The role sits within the broader provincial operations of the Department of Employment and Labour, where the inspector functions as a key enforcement and compliance official. The core purpose of the job is to ensure that workplaces, particularly in the civil and construction sectors, adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993, along with its regulations and incorporated standards. This is a technical and legally grounded role that requires both field inspection work and administrative reporting, with the inspector expected to work independently while also contributing to regional planning and strategic oversight.

To be considered for this post, candidates must hold a Senior Certificate as well as a three-year recognised qualification in a relevant field, specifically Construction Engineering. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as the role involves travelling to various sites. While registration with a relevant and recognised professional body is not compulsory, it is viewed as an advantage. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, the South African National Standards codes that have been incorporated into regulations, as well as the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Unemployment Insurance Act. A wide range of skills is required, including planning and organising, communication, computer literacy, facilitation, interpersonal engagement, conflict handling, negotiation, problem solving, interviewing, presentation, innovation, analytical thinking, and strong verbal and written communication.

The duties of the inspector are extensive and carry significant responsibility. The incumbent will plan and independently conduct inspections to verify compliance with the OHS Act, its regulations and incorporated standards. This includes confirming that employers and workers are properly registered with the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. The inspector will also plan, investigate and finalise incidents and complaints reported under the OHS Act, taking enforcement action where necessary and appearing in court as a State witness. Proactive inspections are to be scheduled and carried out to monitor compliance with labour legislation, with reports compiled and consolidated from these activities. Additionally, the role requires planning and conducting advocacy campaigns on all labour legislation, analysing their impact, and compiling reports on the outcomes. At a higher level, the inspector contributes to the planning, drafting and maintenance of regional inspection plans and reports, including the analysis and compilation of consolidated statistical reports on regional and allocated cases.

This is a permanent government post advertised through a public service vacancy circular, and it falls within the employment equity framework. In line with the department’s employment equity plan, priority will be given to candidates from designated groups, specifically African females, Coloured males and females, Indian males and females, and White males and females. Applicants should note that the position is based in Lephalale and requires a willingness to work in that area. The role is ideal for a construction engineering professional who is passionate about worker safety, regulatory compliance, and public service delivery. It offers an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the construction industry by ensuring that health and safety standards are upheld and that vulnerable workers are protected. The successful candidate will need to be self-driven, methodical, and able to handle the pressures of inspections, investigations, and court appearances, while also contributing to broader regional compliance strategies.