Klerksdorp
The Health and Safety Officer ensure that all operations within the abattoir comply with occupational health and safety regulations, safeguarding employees, contractors, and visitors. This role is critical in maintaining a safe working environment in a high-risk industry where machinery, biological hazards, and manual handling are part of daily operations.
Key Responsibilities
• Compliance & Regulation
o Ensure adherence to local, national, and industry-specific health and safety legislation.
o Conduct regular audits and inspections of the abattoir to identify hazards and enforce corrective actions.
• Risk Management
o Develop and implement risk assessments for slaughtering, processing, and packaging activities.
o Monitor handling of animals, machinery, chemicals, and waste to minimize risks.
• Training & Awareness
o Deliver health and safety training programs to staff, including PPE usage, safe handling of equipment, and emergency procedures.
o Promote a strong safety culture across all departments.
• Incident Management
o Investigate accidents, near misses, and prepare detailed reports.
o Recommend preventive measures and oversee implementation.
• Emergency Preparedness
o Maintain and test emergency response plans (e.g., fire, chemical spills, biohazard exposure).
o Ensure first aid facilities and trained personnel are available.
• Documentation & Reporting
o Maintain accurate records of inspections, incidents, and compliance reports.
o Liaise with regulatory authorities during inspections and audits.
Qualifications & Skills
• 2-3 years’ relevant experience in this role
• Diploma/Degree in Health and Safety or related field.
• Certification in NOSA /HIRA /SAMTRAC or related field
• Experience in food processing, manufacturing, or abattoir related environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of workplace safety regulations and biological hazard management.
• Excellent communication, training, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure situations.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to influence safe practices.
• Commitment to ethical standards and animal welfare considerations.
• Resilience and adaptability in a demanding environment.