Join Lactalis as a SHER Officer at the Bonnievale Plant
Lactalis South Africa is offering an exciting opportunity for a SHER Officer to join our team at the Bonnievale Plant in the Admin Department. This permanent role is integral to ensuring that the highest standards of safety, health, environmental, and risk (SHER) management are upheld in our daily operations. By working closely with the SHER Coordinator, plant personnel, and the SHE team, the successful candidate will contribute to creating a safer, more compliant, and efficient workplace.
This role requires a motivated professional with a strong understanding of occupational health and safety practices. If you have a passion for promoting workplace safety, ensuring compliance, and fostering a proactive safety culture, this could be the perfect fit for you.
The Role of the SHER Officer
As a SHER Officer, your primary responsibility will be to assist in implementing, managing, and reporting on health, safety, environmental, and risk management activities. This involves maintaining compliance with legal and company standards, coordinating safety training, and fostering a culture of proactive risk management.
You will play a crucial role in ensuring that all plant personnel, contractors, and stakeholders adhere to established safety protocols. By supporting the SHER Coordinator, you will help drive initiatives that enhance safety awareness, mitigate risks, and promote a workplace environment that prioritises health and wellbeing.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
To excel in this role, candidates must have a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management or be studying towards a related qualification. Completion of critical safety training courses, such as Supervisors Safety, SCAT (Incident Investigation), HIRA, HACCP, SHE Representative, First Aid, and Fire Fighting, is essential.
Experience in occupational health and safety within an industrial, manufacturing, or technical environment is vital. A minimum of two years in such roles, particularly involving occupational hygiene and safety training, will give you the practical expertise needed to succeed.
In addition to your qualifications, you’ll need a solid understanding of local, regional, and national safety regulations and legislation. Your ability to interpret and apply these laws, combined with strong communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills, will enable you to build effective working relationships and lead safety initiatives across the plant.
Proficiency in MS Office is critical for managing reports, presentations, and data, while excellent organisational skills will help you keep meticulous records in a fast-paced industrial setting.
Responsibilities
Ensuring Documentation and Compliance
One of your key responsibilities will be maintaining and updating legal documentation to ensure full compliance with SHE regulations. These documents must always be accessible for audits and inspections. You'll also play a vital role in implementing corporate SHE guidelines, ensuring that plant personnel are aware of and adhere to these standards.
Coordinating Safety Training
You’ll help identify and coordinate necessary safety training for employees, whether through internal programs or external providers. Managing training schedules and maintaining accurate records of completed sessions—such as First Aid, Fire Fighting, HIRA, and Supervisors Safety—will be a critical aspect of your role.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Communication
You will act as a key liaison between plant personnel, contractors, and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication of SHE concerns and updates. By addressing safety issues promptly, you’ll help create a safe and compliant working environment. Regularly participating in safety meetings, delivering updates, and supporting discussions will further strengthen safety awareness across the plant.
Promoting Behaviour-Based Safety
Supporting the implementation of Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) initiatives will help instil a proactive safety culture throughout the plant. You’ll also assist in conducting risk assessments and ensuring employees are adequately trained in risk management procedures.
Managing Contractor Compliance
You will oversee contractor and external service provider compliance, ensuring they meet all safety regulations and contractual obligations. This includes monitoring their performance and verifying that appropriate safety inductions and training have been completed.
Investigating Incidents and Reporting
In collaboration with plant management, you’ll assist in investigating incidents, accidents, and near misses to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions. Your ability to compile and analyse injury statistics and present these findings to management will be crucial for identifying trends and areas for improvement.
Supporting Internal Audits and Inspections
Participating in internal audits and inspections will be another essential part of your duties. By identifying hazards and recommending solutions, you’ll help ensure compliance with safety policies and regulations.
Loss Prevention and Property Protection
You will support the implementation of Loss Prevention and Property Protection programs to safeguard plant assets and minimise risks. This includes working with security teams to ensure the physical safety of the plant.
Collaborating Across Functions
This role requires effective collaboration with the Head Office Risk Management Team to align with group-wide safety standards. By fostering a collaborative culture within the plant, you’ll encourage team members to actively engage in safety efforts and initiatives.
What Sets This Role Apart?
Lactalis South Africa offers an environment where safety is not just a requirement but a fundamental value. As a SHER Officer, you will be part of a team that prioritises health, safety, and environmental sustainability in all aspects of its operations.
This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workplace safety, foster a proactive safety culture, and contribute to the success of one of South Africa’s leading companies in the FMCG industry. With a supportive team and opportunities for professional growth, this role promises a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
How to Apply
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? If you have the skills, qualifications, and passion to excel as a SHER Officer, we encourage you to apply. This permanent position is based at our Bonnievale Plant in the Western Cape, and applications close on 7 December 2024.
Don’t miss your chance to join Lactalis South Africa and make a tangible impact in the field of occupational health and safety. Apply today and become a key player in driving safety, health, and environmental excellence at one of South Africa’s most respected companies.
>> APPLY HERE
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