Responsibilities of Safety Officer

Responsibilities of Safety Officer

Safety Officers are responsible for ensuring the safe and compliant operation of an organization. They implement defined Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) strategies which identify hazards, assess risks to health and safety, and use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to avoid accidents and injuries.

Most organizations have a designated EHS department manager or supervisor on payroll, but there are other safety-related positions that bring additional value to your company. Here’s what you can expect from a workplace safety officer and what they can do for your organization.

Safety Officer duties and responsibilities 

• The Safety Officer is responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe situations.
• Developing measures to assure personnel safety.
• Correct unsafe acts or conditions through the regular line of authority.
• May exercise emergency authority to prevent or stop unsafe acts when immediate action is required.
• The Safety Officer maintains awareness of active and developing situations.
• Ensures there are safety messages in each Incident Action Plan.
• Participate in planning meetings to identify any health and safety concerns inherent in the operations daily work-plan.
• Review the Incident Action Plan for safety implications.
• Investigate accidents that have occurred within incident areas.
• Ensure preparation and implementation of Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP).
• Inspects the site to ensure it is a hazard-free environment.
• Conducts toolbox meetings.
• A HSE Officer is part of the project safety committee  and leads all efforts to enhance safety.
• The safety officer reviews and approves all subcontractors safety plans.
• Verifies that injury logs and reports are completed and submitted to related government agencies.
• Verifies that all tools and equipment are adequate and safe for use.
• Promotes safe practices at the job site.
• Enforces safety guidelines.
• Trains and carries out drills and exercises on how to manage emergency situations.
• Conducts investigations of all accidents and near-misses.
• Reports to concerned authorities as requested or mandated by regulations.
• Conducts job hazard analysis.
• Establishes safety standards and policies as needed.
• Watches out for the safety of all workers and works to protect them from entering hazardous situations.
• Responds to employees’ safety concerns.
• Coordinates registration and removal of hazardous waste.
• Serves as the link between state and local agencies and contractors.
• Receives reports from and responds to orders issued by Department of Labor.
• Arranges for OSHA mandated testing and/or evaluations of the workplace by external agencies/consultants.
• Support the development of OHS policies and programs.
• Advise and instruct on various safety-related topics (noise levels, use of machinery etc.).
• Conduct risk assessment and enforce preventative measures.
• Review existing policies and measures and update according to legislation.
• Initiate and organize OHS training of employees and executives.
• Inspect premises and the work of personnel to identify issues or non-conformity (e.g. not using protective equipment)
• Oversee installations, maintenance, disposal of substances etc.
• Stop any unsafe acts or processes that seem dangerous or unhealthy
• Record and investigate incidents to determine causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
• Prepare reports on occurrences and provide statistical information to upper management.
• Carry out PTW Monitoring and review
• Carry out portable electrical equipment inspection
• Carry out lifting equipment and accessories inspection and certification.
• Review site emergency management plan
• Assess working platform and certify them before use like  scaffolds, tressels, suspended platform
• Discover training needs and communicate with management
• Ensure proper storage and labelling of hazardous materials.
• Ensure proper traffic management within the site and outside in cases of road work.
• Ensure proper waste management (Waste segregation, storage and disposal)
• Choose qualified suppliers, and contractors for different activities within the site who meets the companies contractors policy.

Can a Safety Officer Add Value to Your Organization?

Though different from EHS managers or leaders, it’s hard to ignore the benefits a designated safety officer can bring to your organization. They’re often a sounding board for managers when implementing new procedures or equipment, can help with compliance and audits, and stay on top of changes in the health and safety industry.

It’s no surprise that they can add value to your bottom line. The demand for safety officers is expected to increase in the next six years with an 8% job growth rate.

Safety Officer requirements 

• X years of experience as a Safety Officer or similar role
• Excellent knowledge of legislations and procedures
• Excellent knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
• X years of experience in producing reports
• Experience with writing policies and procedures for health and safety
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
• Proficient in MS Office
• Working knowledge of safety management information system
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
• Team player
• Good time-management skills
• Great interpersonal and communication skills

How to become a Safety Officer

A formal OHS certification is required. The certification process requires a minimum level of vocational study; currently accepted qualifications are the Diploma of Work Health and Safety and Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety. 3 years’ equivalent full–time experience working in an OHS Practitioner role is also required, as well as a completed OHS Practitioner Portfolio Report. Once achieved, certification must be renewed annually. You need to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year to maintain certification.

1. Complete a Diploma in Industrial Safety  or Advanced Diploma in Industrial Safety After that do a NEBOSH IG course which increase your chances to get a better job in foreign
2. Complete a capability assessment, including complete OHS Practitioner Portfolio Report, referee checks and interviews.